Air Transat says it will gradually shut down operations over the next three days in response to a 72-hour strike mandate issued by the union representing its pilots.

In a statement issued shortly after the mandate was announced by the union on Sunday morning, the Montreal-based airline published a statement of its own, calling the strike notice "premature."

Air Transat said there has been progress in contract negotiations and that it's made "generous" contract offers. Both the union and the airline say they may come to an agreement before a strike which could begin as early as Wednesday at 3 a.m. ET.

"This notice requires the company to proactively implement an action plan and proceed with the gradual and orderly suspension of its operations over the next three days to prevent the con

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