Helicopter pilots are involved in a dispute over pay
About 200 pilots are threatening to take industrial action unless their employer, CHC Scotia, comes up with an improved pay offer.
The pilots are arguing for a narrowing of the gap between their salaries and those of passenger jet pilots, who commonly earn up to a third more.
After 78% of those balloted voted in favour of industrial action on Wednesday the union representing the pilots, the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), issued an ultimatum to the company, urging it to clarify its pay offer.
The union warned that if there was no clarification the company would face an official notice of strike action within 48 hours.
However, intensive negotiations between the two sides have prolonged the stand-off, with the union agreeing to put its decision on hold until Monday.
CHC Scotia is the North Sea's biggest helicopter firm, operating about 45 flights a day for oil companies which include BP, Mobil, Talisman, Exxon and TotalFinaElf.
The 200 pilots involved in the dispute are employed in Aberdeen, Norwich, Humberside and Blackpool.
As the tricky negotiations continue both sides have been keen to keep the details of Friday's talks private.
A joint statement from a Balpa spokesman simply stated: "Balpa and CHC Scotia have agreed that there will be no further statements until Monday."
CHC Scotia has admitted it is disappointed by the result of Wednesday's ballot in favour of industrial action which, it says, would have "a destructive impact on our operations and the service we provide to our clients".