It's likely going to be a long weekend for both sides in the Canadian auto talks.

The Canadian Auto Workers warns it may target more than one of the Big Three North American automakers if negotiations fall
through.

It says talks have intensified in an effort to avoid a work stoppage when the current contracts run out at the end of Monday but
there's been no progress.

CAW spokesman Peter Kennedy says a decision about who to target will be made closer to Monday night when the current
contracts expire at 11:59 p.m.

In a message distributed to workers today the union says,  "We urge members to stay on the job and stay tuned for further
information and instruction. Your bargaining committees are working very hard, guided by our shared goal of winning the best agreement
possible while minimizing the sacrifice to our members."

The three automakers have taken a low-profile approach during the talks but industry observers have noted they're looking for lower
labour and pension costs in line with an agreement with the United Auto Workers in the United States.

The CAW has said it's prepared to allow a plan that would see new employees earn less when they are hired and take longer to reach the
top end of the wage scale.

Kennedy describes the talks as the most difficult he's seen in more than 20 years, including the restructuring in 2009 to save GM
and Chrysler from bankruptcy.