While some cabin crews will go on strike on December 18, a strike planned for this Monday has been canceled. E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh explained that domestic, trans-Tasman, and Pacific crews are still awaiting a deal, while regional and long haul cabin crews are set to vote on the latest offer, recommended by the union.
“Because progress is being made, the strike for next Monday has been lifted,” Mackintosh stated. “However, the pressure put on Air New Zealand by issuing a strike notice made a difference for the other two crew groups.”
The union had initially stated that any strike action would not occur within seven days before Christmas, and this strike falls outside that timeframe at eight days prior. Mackintosh highlighted that by law, the union must provide two weeks’ notice, setting the earliest possible strike date for December 18.
“We urge Air New Zealand to continue working with us and finalize an agreement,” Mackintosh emphasized.
Air New Zealand’s chief people officer, Nikki Dines, had previously mentioned that discussions with the union were positive and progressing well.
“We are optimistic about reaching an agreement and having our cabin crew vote as soon as possible,” Dines said. “Our flight schedule remains unchanged, and we are focused on reaching a resolution with E tū to avoid any strike action.”
The airline had estimated that potential strikes across all fleets could impact approximately 10-15,000 customers.
