Air New Zealand Cabin Crew Strike Averted Before Christmas

Air New Zealand’s short-haul cabin crews have called off a planned strike that was set to take place on December 18, 2023. This decision comes after successful negotiations between the airline and the E tū union, which represents the cabin crew working on domestic flights as well as services across the Tasman Sea and Pacific. The union and the airline have been engaged in discussions since April, aiming to resolve issues related to pay and working conditions.

According to Rachel Mackintosh, assistant national secretary of E tū, the agreement reached was “close enough” to finalization, prompting the union to withdraw its strike threat. She mentioned that some wording in the agreement still needed to be polished in the coming week before it is formally concluded. Mackintosh acknowledged the importance of the crew’s role in New Zealand’s transport system, emphasizing that they deserve “decent work conditions” to effectively deliver their services.

The chief people officer at Air New Zealand, Nikki Dines, expressed relief that disruptions to travelers during the busy Christmas period had been avoided. She stated, “Our negotiating teams have been working hard to reach an outcome that recognizes the vital role our cabin crew play while supporting the long-term health of the airline.”

Discussions had previously led to the cancellation of another strike that was scheduled for December 8, 2023. At that time, Dines described the negotiations with E tū as constructive and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement that would allow crew members to vote on the terms as soon as possible.

A strike during the holiday season could have impacted between 10,000 and 15,000 customers, highlighting the significance of the agreement in maintaining operations during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Mackintosh had noted that while the union did not want to disrupt travel for passengers, they were prepared to take action if an agreement could not be reached.

As negotiations continue, both Air New Zealand and E tū appear committed to finalizing an agreement that addresses the needs of the cabin crew while ensuring the airline’s operational stability. The outcome reflects a collaborative effort aimed at fostering a supportive work environment for essential personnel in the aviation sector.