JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the South African Cabin Crew Association started a two-day strike on Friday morning, forcing South African Airways (SAA) to cancel almost all the flights.

The unions said the strike was an indefinite national shut down which would see workers picket at the country's airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London.

The two unions represented more than half of SAA's workforce. They demanded an 8 percent wage increase and have rejected SAA's offer of 5.9 percent. They are also angry over the airline's plans to lay off over 900 workers as part of its restructuring.

SAA announced that its international flights operations would resume on Sunday while local and regional would remain suspended. "This operational decision is aimed at minimizing the impact of disruptions for the airline's customers," said SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali.

Tlali said international flights would depart from OR Tambo in Johannesburg on Sunday travelling to cities including London, Hong Kong, Munich and New York.

The airline said it was working with its sister airline Mango to accommodate domestic customers. Those who travel within the continent wold be accommodated on Airlink and if it was possible on others as well.

"Passengers are advised to follow the commercial policies SAA has put in place, which can be found our website. Customers are requested not to travel to their departure airports unless in possession of a rebooked itinerary, as SAA will not be able to provide any assistance," Philip Saunders, SAA Chief Commercial Officer said in a statement.

The airline said it will apply a "no work no pay" principle to those who participate in the strike.

SAA, which has not turned a profit since 2011 and is without a permanent CEO, said the strike will cost it 50 million rand (3.36 USD million) per day and threatens its survival. Enditem

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