New Zealand’s flag carrier and largest airline has released a travel alert, following the proposed industrial action expected by cabin crew on Monday, December 8. Currently, Air New Zealand has been notified by unions E tū and FAANZ (Flight Attendants’ Association of New Zealand Incorporated) that represent thousands of the airline’s cabin crew of their intention to strike.
Strike action is currently proposed to affect the carrier’s regional fleets (De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 and ATR 72-600) between 05:00 am and 11:00 pm on December 8, which may cripple the airline’s extensive domestic network. These aircraft are responsible for offering key flights from 
Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport, and Christchurch to other smaller New Zealand cities. Domestic and international fleets, which include Airbus A320 jet services, and Boeing widebodies (777-300ER and 787-9), are set to see action between 12:01 am and 11:59 pm on December 8.
Fasten Your Seatbelt
The airline has stressed that, currently, no flights are affected, as the airline works quickly to reach an agreement with the respective unions to avoid any disruption to scheduled services. Air New Zealand currently maintains the lion’s share of regional and international operations to, from, and within New Zealand, and holds the monopoly on most regional domestic flights in the country. Should any action go ahead, this could see the need for a large number of flights affected and itinerary rebookings, paired with long, long lines at the airport.
Air New Zealand has stressed that they are looking into anything they can do to limit widespread disruption, and there will be accommodation and alternative transport if you are required to overnight mid-travel, while meals and refreshments may be available at the airport, subject to the delays affecting your flight.
Passengers have been advised that if any travel is impacted, the airline will be in contact to look at alternative arrangements, and scheduled adjustments will be communicated via email, text, and/or the AirNZ app.
Insight From E tū Union
E tū is a democratic union that represents thousands of workers across multiple industries, including flight attendants for Air New Zealand. Approximately 1,250 E tū members across the international, domestic, and regional fleets are expected to stop working on Monday, 8 December, after months of failed negotiations for improved working conditions and a fair deal on pay.
According to the union, the failed negotiations with Air New Zealand thus far have not reflected the current expected responsibilities, pressures, and fatigue that affect crew daily, and while many of these members are unwilling to speak out personally, it has been expressed by the union that members feel that the carrier continues to prioritize efficiency over crew wellbeing. Rachel Mackintosh, E tū National Secretary, explains:
“Cabin crew have gone above and beyond for Air New Zealand and for the travelling public. If the company wants to reach a settlement, they need to make real changes to their position. Our members are seeking a fair deal that reflects their skill, responsibility, and the vital safety role they play every day,”
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14 Days Notice
Union members who voted for a strike are across different collective agreements, and this would see the strike across all Air New Zealand operations. Members had chosen one specific day of strike action to occur, and as aviation is deemed an essential service, the union was required to provide 14 days’ advance notice before the strike could be undertaken. Given the lead-up to Christmas, members had the opportunity to pick a date between December 3 and 17, which was settled on Monday, December 8.
Air New Zealand operates a robust network of regional, domestic, and international flights to and from New Zealand. The airline, which is based at Auckland Airport (AKL), is the key international gateway to New Zealand and sees all Air New Zealand long-haul operations. Smaller hubs are held at Wellington, and Christchurch will support additional regional, domestic, and international short-haul operations.
The airline is a member of the Star Alliance, and offers the largest network of trans-Tasman flights than any other airline from New Zealand, with the carrier offering non-stop service from Auckland to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, while additional seasonal flights are added to Hobart, the Sunshine Coast, and Cairns. Its international long-haul stretches around the Pacific Rim, operating to destinations in Asia, and North America (including its flagship route between AKL and New York JFK).
