The Air Canada Pilots Association, the union representing Air Canada's pilots, has voted overwhelmingly (95%) in favour of strike action.
"This vote demonstrates that Air Canada pilots are united in their desire to reach a freely negotiated agreement," Paul Strachan, the union's president, said. "The corporation must now recognize the resolve of Air Canada pilots and come to the bargaining table with a renewed commitment to negotiations in good faith."
A pilots' strike or lockout by the company could ground the airline as early as Friday.
Air Canada has said it is confident it can avoid disruption and that talks are continuing.