Air NZ withdraws from EMA

Air NZ says Alasdair Thompson's controversial comments were partly responsible for their withdrawl from the EMA. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The impact of Alasdair Thompson's controversial comments last week is still being felt with Air New Zealand withdrawing its Employers and Manufacturers Association membership.

There have been calls to sack Mr Thompson as the chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association since he said women's "monthly sick problems" affected their work productivity last week.

While the association met to discuss the fallout from the comments on Tuesday, they could not reach a decision on Mr Thompson's fate.

Sources yesterday told the Herald the board were "anxious" to resolve Mr Thompson's employment future but were faced with legal obstacles.

But while his future with the EMA remains in limbo, Air NZ has confirmed that Mr Thompson's comments were partly responsible for its withdrawl from the EMA.

In a brief statement released today, the national airline said it was a corporate member of Business New Zealand's 'Major Companies Group', which includes EMA membership.

"Ahead of Business New Zealand membership renewal due on July 1, Air New Zealand had been reviewing the costs and benefits of that membership and combined with events of the past week involving the EMA decided to cancel that membership."

- HERALD ONLINE