Pretoria — National carrier South African Airways (SAA) and the National Transport Movement (NTM) have signed an agreement on the terms of reference for the verification process that will help the union to gain recognition.

NTM members went on strike earlier this month. The union wants the airline to recognise it.

The intent of the signed agreement is to concur on the process that would determine whether the union has sufficient members in order to be recognised, said SAA on Thursday.

"This development is a welcome move and a step in the right direction despite the fact that NTM regrettably advised that they will not cease or suspend the strike during the verification process," said SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali.

Additionally, the airline and the union have further agreed to start verifying the union's membership forms with effect from Monday, 4 February.

This process will be facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The process, which is expected to last up until 14 February 2013, will conclude with a report by the CCMA.

"However, they [the union] have agreed to call off the strike when the CCMA delivers its report regardless of the outcome," added Tlali.

SAA's operations continue to remain intact.

Previously the airline had said that operations remain intact due to contingency plans that have been put in place.