May 4 (Reuters) - Onex Corp's ( ONEXF ) WestJet on

Saturday said that it issued a 72-hour lockout notification to

the union representing its maintenance engineers, the ‍Aircraft

Mechanics Fraternal Association.

The company said that a work stoppage could occur as early

as Tuesday unless a deal is reached with AMFA.

"Both parties are still in talks hoping to reach an

agreement prior to the lockout," Bret Oestreich, president of

the union said in a statement.

Canada's Labor Minister Seamus O'Regan said the

government received WestJet's lockout notice. In a post on

social media platform X, O'Regan said, "Federal mediators are

supporting the parties to reach a deal at the bargaining table."

The 72-hour lockout notice does not mean travel disruption

will occur, WestJet said in a statement, adding that in the

coming days it will take necessary action to manage impacts.

WestJet said it will prepare to operate a reduced

schedule, manage changes and cancellations and provide flexible

change and cancel options to customers.