Unless Via Rail and the union representing about 1,800 of its workers reach a deal today, the national passenger rail service says it could be faced with a strike just after midnight Eastern Time.

On Friday morning, the Montreal-based passenger rail service got the 72-hour notice from Unifor, which represents Via employees who work in stations, telephone sales offices, maintenance centres and administrative offices.

Passengers with confirmed tickets for travel on or after June 13 also received notice Friday that service could be disrupted.

"If you absolutely need to travel," VIA said in its email to passengers, "we suggest that you do modify your plans and find alternative transportation."

VIA said that a full refund without service fees would be available, or a credit for future travel.

Negotiations ongoing

Via says the notice is part of normal negotiations under federal law and doesn't necessarily mean there will be a strike or lockout.

The federal Crown corporation says it is encouraged by the positive tone of negotiations between the two sides.

Via Rail says in the event of a strike, trains already in transit would complete their trips before any service disruption.

The Vancouver-Toronto train scheduled to depart Sunday night from B.C. would cut short the trip in Winnipeg, Via said on its website. Additionally, an overnight train from Winnipeg to Churchill, Man. would cease its voyage in The Pas, Man. if the strike goes ahead, the rail service said.