Hundreds of Air New Zealand cabin crew are set to strike on December 8. Photo / NZME
Air New Zealand cabin crew from two unions are set to strike on December 8.
The Flight Attendants’ Association of New Zealand (FAANZ), representing 1000 flight attendants at Air New Zealand, and about 1250 members of cabin crew at the airline represented by E tū have said industrial action will be taken over pay and conditions.
Air New Zealand confirmed it received the formal strike notices from the two unions on behalf of about 80% of its cabin crew.
The airline said action on regional fleets will take place at various times between 5am and 11pm on December 8, while domestic and international flights will be affected between 12.01am and 11.59pm on the same day.
“We deeply value our cabin crew and acknowledge the important role they play in our airline,” said Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar.
“They deliver the experience our customers love and represent the warmth and professionalism of Air New Zealand.
“We remain committed to working with the unions to reach a fair and sustainable outcome that recognises the valuable contribution of our crew while balancing the affordability of travel for our customers and the challenging economic environment we’re operating in.”
FAANZ president Craig Featherby said members felt they had no choice but to strike.
“We’ve been at the bargaining table for more than half of this year and have tried everything to get a deal that values the work our members do.”
Featherby said wages had not kept pace with the cost of living and members were looking for a wage increase that kept them ahead of price rises.
“The proposed changes from the company shift money around without substantively improving take-home pay.
“They’re asking us to give away current conditions to get better base pay – it’s taking money from one pocket to put in another.”
E tū said crew working across the international, domestic and regional fleets are part of three separate strikes across three collective agreements.
The union said crew believe the latest offer from Air New Zealand doesn’t reflect the responsibilities, pressures or fatigue risks that come with their work.
It said one member believes the airline is expecting more from crew without addressing safety concerns, while the overall mood across the fleet is deteriorating.
E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said cabin crew have shown professionalism, loyalty and care and the airline needs to change course.
“Cabin crew have gone above and beyond for Air New Zealand and for the travelling public,” Mackintosh said.
“If the company wants to reach a settlement, they need to make real changes to their position.”
Mackintosh said E tū’s members are looking for a fair deal that reflects their skill, responsibility and the vital safety role they play.
“Negotiations will continue next week and our team remains ready to get this settled.
“We acknowledge that the issuing of strike notices is a serious step,” said Ravishankar, “and we respect the right of our people to take industrial action.
“At the same time, we are doing everything possible to minimise disruption for our customers and our people.
“If the strike goes ahead, the airline is committed to supporting any impacted customers.
“This will include rebooking, and may include providing meals and refreshments and accommodation if required.
“We will do everything we can to get customers to their destination as soon as possible while keeping them informed throughout their journey.”
Ravishankar said the airline remains hopeful a fair agreement can be reached.