Featherby said the pay increase was offered only in return for crew trading away long-held conditions that help create a safe working environment.
“Our members have been clear: enough is enough.”
The strike will affect B787 and B777 flights on February 11-13.
He said Air New Zealand was not prioritising staff and customers.
“Flights are repeatedly impacted by preventable issues: lack of catering and limited choice, missing equipment to effectively look after customers, inoperative seats, and broken cabin features, alongside higher-than-usual cancellations.
“Flight attendants, as the face of the airline, are constantly having to work around these issues and apologise to passengers who have paid premium fares to fly with the national carrier.
“The company is sending a clear message to those who represent its frontline – that they are undervalued, despite carrying the weight of the operation every day.
“It’s time the board and executive team realise that their frontline staff – on the ground, in the call centres and in the air – need real investment. Invest in your people and they will stay and help the airline get through the tough times."
Air New Zealand chief people officer Nikki Dines said the airline today received formal strike notices from E tū and FAANZ on behalf of the cabin crew who operate on its international widebody fleet.
“We remain committed to working with the unions to reach a fair outcome that recognises the valuable contribution of our crew who deliver a world-class service for our customers,” she said.
“While balancing the affordability of travel and the challenging economic environment we’re operating in.
“Our latest offer includes increases to pay and improvements to conditions while supporting the long-term sustainability of the airline. The offer includes increases to base salaries of between 4.14% and 6.41% in the first year.”
Dines said cabin crew had a unique work and compensation structure, and suggestions that our crew are paid below a living wage are not accurate.
“Their base salary provides a consistent income, regardless of the hours they fly.
“In addition to their base salary, cabin crew receive payments and allowances to recognise additional responsibilities, time away from home, and longer duties.”
She said cabin crew also received further allowances to support them while they are away from home.
“If the strikes go ahead, the airline will support impacted customers and minimise disruption to the extent possible.
“We’ll contact any affected travellers directly as soon as more information becomes available.”
Air New Zealand staff previously called off a planned strike during the Christmas period after an agreement was reached between the company and staff.
The FAANZ was founded in 2020 and represents more than 1000 flight attendants on Air New Zealand domestic and regional services.
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