E tū media release: 1200 Air NZ cabin crew set to strike for a fair deal

E tū cabin crew members at Air New Zealand have voted overwhelmingly for strike action as they push for a fair deal in their collective agreement negotiations. Around 1200 cabin crew, employed across three separate agreements covering international, domestic, and regional crew, have been trying for months to get better pay and rosters. Their vote to strike reflects deep frustration that Air New Zealand is not listening.

Michael Wood, E tū Director, says cabin crew have shown enormous professionalism and commitment to the travelling public, yet the airline doesn't value them fairly.

"Cabin crew are the face of the airline. They welcome people to the country, keep passengers safe, and support travellers in all sorts of situations. They worked through huge challenges, including job losses during Covid, and they deserve respect and a fair wage," Michael says.

"Instead, they are not paid enough for what they do and the hours they work, with current guaranteed base salaries of around $60,000. Crew are expected to trade away hard‑won conditions, while the company is in the middle of a $100 million share buy‑back. It's unreasonable, and our members have had enough."

Michael says Air NZ cabin crew are shift workers, with rosters that change every month, unsociable hours, long periods away from their families, and frequent standby requirements that disrupt ordinary life.

"Our members aren't asking for executive salaries. They're asking for a fair deal that reflects their skills, responsibilities, and the real cost of living. Air NZ needs to come to the table with a proper mandate to settle."

E tū members have taken steps to minimise disruption for travellers. Strike action will not be in the seven days before Christmas, and during the action international crew will be available to fly back into New Zealand so passengers are not stranded offshore.

Michael says that the union hopes to avoid taking strike action by reaching agreement in ongoing negotiations.

"The best way to avoid any disruption is for Air NZ to sit down with us in good faith and negotiate a fair outcome, and we encourage people to send a message to the company showing their support for cabin crew."

"We're ready to work hard in the coming weeks to reach a settlement and prevent any strike action. The company needs to do the same."