Air New Zealand’s short-haul cabin crew have called off a planned strike just days before the Christmas travel rush
Union representatives and the airline reached an agreement in principle on pay and conditions.
"Our negotiating teams have been working hard to reach an outcome that recognises the vital role our cabin crew play, while supporting the long-term health of the airline," Commented Air New Zealand’s chief people officer Nikki Dines.
More than 400 staff working on domestic, Tasman and Pacific routes had been due to walk off the job on 18 December, in a move the airline earlier warned could disrupt travel plans for an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 passengers.
The dispute dates back to April, when unions began negotiating with Air New Zealand over what they described as fairer pay and improved working conditions for cabin crew. With talks dragging on, union members had signalled industrial action in the busy holiday period as a last resort.
E tū, the organisation that represents the airline’s cabin crew, said the decision to withdraw the strike notice was made after negotiators reached an agreement in principle with the airline over the weekend.
Assistant national secretary for E tū, Rachel Mackintosh, described the proposed settlement for short-haul cabin crew as “close enough” to final, with some wording and details still to be confirmed in the coming week before it is put to members for a vote.
Mackintosh said the crews were conscious of the potential impact on travellers, particularly at Christmas, and had not taken the threat of a strike lightly.
The union had previously called off an earlier strike planned for 8 December, as negotiations showed signs of progress.
More than 1,000 staff were expected to strike on this date, but was postponed just days prior to the new date of 18 December.
Dines acknowledged the uncertainty the protracted bargaining had caused for staff and operations, but said discussions with E tū had remained constructive throughout.
Both sides are now focused on finalising the agreement so that short-haul crew can vote on the package.
If endorsed, it would bring to a close months of tense talks and remove the immediate risk of industrial action overshadowing one of the busiest periods of the aviation calendar.
