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Summarised by Centrist
Cabin crew union E tū has withdrawn its 8 December strike notice for all Air New Zealand fleets.
However, the union has re-filed notice for a 24-hour strike by short-haul cabin crew on 18 December, covering domestic jets, trans-Tasman and Pacific routes.
The union says regional and long-haul crews have secured acceptable offers after threatening strike action. However, short-haul crews are still without a “fair settlement” and are using the same leverage in the crucial pre-Christmas travel window.
E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh argues short-haul workloads and responsibilities remain undervalued and that those crews “deserve the same respect and progress as their colleagues.”
Air New Zealand chief people officer Nikki Dines said the airline is still “working constructively” with unions, with talks now focused on short-haul rostering and conditions.
If the strike proceeds, Air NZ plans to rebook passengers, provide meals and, if needed, accommodation, with affected customers to be notified at least five days in advance.
The union has defended the timing, noting it had promised not to strike in the seven days immediately before Christmas and that the law requires two weeks’ notice, making 18 December the earliest legal date.
Mackintosh openly credits earlier strike threats with forcing movement from management and says short-haul crews will keep their notice in place unless Air NZ “sharpens its pencil” and matches the progress already made on other fleets.
