Flight attendants on Air New Zealand’s B777 and B787 long-range aircraft will walk out for three strikes on 11, 12, and 13 February.
Air NZ said it wants to balance crew contributions amid “challenging economic times,” noting that international cabin crew operate under a distinct work and pay structure.
Meanwhile, Flight Attendants Association (FAANZ) president Craig Featherby stated that despite months of bargaining and two rounds of mediation via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Air New Zealand has failed to deliver an acceptable pay offer for international cabin crew.
“The company has offered a pay increase that would see crew just hit the living wage. With inflation continuing to bite, many flight attendants are concerned they’ll be back below a liveable wage within a short time.”
Featherby accused the airline of neglecting its staff and passengers, forcing crews to resolve issues—often at 38,000 feet in the air.
“Flights are repeatedly impacted by preventable issues: lack of catering and limited choice, missing equipment to effectively look after customers, inoperative seats, and broken cabin features, alongside higher than usual cancellations.”
“Flight attendants, as the face of the airline, are constantly having to work around these issues and apologise to passengers who have paid premium fares to fly with the national carrier.”
Featherby said the airline’s latest pay offers demand that flight attendants work harder and surrender hard-won terms and conditions from their current contracts in return for any “meaningful” wage increases.
“The company is sending a clear message to those who represent its front line – that they are undervalued, despite carrying the weight of the operation every day.”
“Air New Zealand must recognise that flight attendants are integral to the airline’s success. They’re safety professionals and ambassadors for the company. It’s time the board and executive team realised that their frontline staff – on the ground, in the call centres and in the air – need real investment.”
Air New Zealand chief people officer Nikki Dines refuted claims that cabin crews earn below the living wage. She noted that the airline’s latest offer raises base salaries by 4.14 to 6.41%.
“Their base salary provides a consistent income, regardless of the hours they fly. In addition to their base salary, cabin crew receive payments and allowances to recognise additional responsibilities, time away from home, and longer duties. They also receive further allowances to support them while they are away from home.”
Dines said the airline would strive to support customers and minimise disruptions if the strikes proceed.