CHRISTCHURCH– Air New Zealand (NZ) cabin crew represented by the E tū union have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action, escalating pressure on the airline over stalled collective agreement talks. The move comes after months of negotiation over pay, roster conditions, and recognition of their demanding role.
Around 1,200 cabin crew — including those working under international, domestic, and regional agreements — say they are deeply frustrated that Air New Zealand is not adequately valuing their contribution.
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Air New Zealand Cabin Crew Can Strike
E tū Director Michael Wood contends that cabin crew have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, particularly through the pandemic, but are still not compensated fairly.
Many currently receive a base salary of about NZ$60,000, despite working irregular shifts, long hours, and frequent standby periods. Wood also noted that during negotiations, the airline is simultaneously carrying out a NZ$100 million share buy-back, which the union considers tone-deaf.
Compounding the issue are roster instability — crew rostering changes monthly — and unsociable schedules that disrupt family life and personal well‑being.
According to Wood, cabin crew are not seeking top-tier executive wages; instead, they want a “fair deal” that reflects their skills, responsibilities, and the real cost of living.
Minimising Disruption and Negotiation Status
Aware of the potential impact on travellers, the union has sought to minimise disruption. Strike action is not scheduled in the seven days immediately before Christmas, and international crew have committed to being available to fly back to New Zealand during the action, so passengers are not left stranded overseas.
While the vote signals rising tension, E tū has expressed its willingness to avoid strike action. The union says it remains ready to engage in good-faith negotiations, urging Air New Zealand to come to the table with a clear mandate to settle.
According to Wood, reaching a fair agreement now would avert significant disruption and ensure the crew feels respected and valued.
This strike vote builds on past labour disputes at the airline. In earlier actions, cabin crew leaders staged prolonged bans on in-flight training to demand better pay, especially for returning crew who saw wages drop post-COVID.
E tū, a New Zealand trade union with historical roots going back to the Flight Attendants and Related Services Union and others, continues to push for improved pay equity in aviation roles.
Bottom Line
E tū’s 1,200 Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted overwhelmingly to strike, demanding higher pay and better rostering amid a backdrop of stalled negotiations and perceived undervaluation.
While the union is prepared to take action, it still hopes for a fair deal without disruption — contingent on Air NZ returning to the table in good faith.
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