Around 1,200 Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted in favour of strike action as negotiations over their collective agreements remain unresolved.
The affected staff work under three separate agreements covering international, domestic, and regional operations. According to the union E tu, members have spent several months seeking improved pay and roster conditions, but say discussions with the airline have reached a point of frustration.
E tu Director Michael Wood said cabin crew had shown consistent professionalism and dedication, particularly through the difficulties of the Covid period, yet felt the airline did not value their contribution fairly.
“Cabin crew are the face of the airline. They welcome people to the country, keep passengers safe, and support travellers in all sorts of situations. They worked through huge challenges, including job losses during Covid, and they deserve respect and a fair wage,” Wood said.
He said current guaranteed base salaries of around $60,000 did not reflect the nature of the job, which includes changing monthly rosters, frequent standby duties, long hours, and extended periods away from home.
He said crew were being asked to give up important conditions while the airline is in the middle of a $100 million share buy back.
“Our members are not asking for executive salaries. They are asking for a fair deal that reflects their skills, responsibilities, and the real cost of living. Air New Zealand needs to come to the table with a proper mandate to settle,” Wood said.
The union said members had taken steps to avoid major disruption for passengers. Strike action will not take place in the seven days before Christmas, and international crew plan to return to New Zealand during any action so travellers are not stranded overseas.
Wood said the union hoped to reach agreement before any strike takes effect.
“The best way to avoid disruption is for Air New Zealand to engage in good faith and negotiate a fair outcome. We remain ready to work hard in the coming weeks to reach a settlement.”
