"The talks broke down. It is clear that the parties are not any closer to resolving some of the key issues that remain and they will need help with the arbitrator," Hajdu said.

The Canadian government on stepped in to resolve the contract standoff between Air Canada and its cabin crew, ordering binding arbitration to end the strike.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) had pushed for a negotiated solution, saying binding arbitration would take pressure off the airline.