 Pilots are unhappy with working conditions |
South African Airways pilots are awaiting the outcome of a labour dispute that could lead to a strike. A six-day strike by ground staff that ended last week disrupted services and shook confidence in the airline.
The SAA Pilots' Association is balloting its members on possible action, which if it happens is still several weeks away.
"We haven't decided what form [action] would take, but we hope SAA sees reason," spokesman John Harty said.
The matter is currently before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration - a statutory body that mediates labour disputes - which has 18 days to make its decision.
Conditions
Mr Harty said pilots were satisfied with a 3.5% wage increase awarded earlier this year, but were unhappy with working conditions and SAA's dispute resolution procedures.
"Morale among pilots is very low," he told the BBC News Website. "Yesterday we received notice from SAA saying we were not entitled to strike." SAA representatives were not immediately available for comment.
The ground staff strike, which was over wages as well as working conditions, cost the airline an estimated 950m rand ($150m).
National media were critical of SAA's management style and its handling of the labour dispute.
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