Will Air NZ Cabin Crew Strike?

Air New Zealand's cabin crew have voted to strike, citing a "breaking point" after prolonged negotiations with the airline regarding pay and working conditions. The union representing the international crew has announced that they will not work over three days in February, leading to potential disruption for passengers. This decision reflects ongoing frustrations as the crew seeks better remuneration and working conditions.

Last updated: 08 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of early February 2024, Air New Zealand's international cabin crew have officially voted to strike after failing to reach an agreement with the airline following months of negotiations. The strike is set to take place over three days, impacting various international flights. The union has expressed that the crew feels undervalued and overworked, leading to this drastic measure.

Key takeaways

• Air New Zealand cabin crew plan to strike for three days in February.
• The union states that crew members have reached a "breaking point" after extended negotiations.
• Potential disruptions to international flights are expected during the strike period.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation with Air New Zealand's cabin crew has developed over several months, culminating in the decision to strike:

• July 2023: Initial negotiations begin between Air New Zealand and the cabin crew union.
• November 2023: Crew express dissatisfaction with proposed pay increases and working conditions.
• January 2024: Union members vote overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action if negotiations fail.
• February 2024: Official announcement of strike dates, with plans to disrupt services on specific days.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of the strike comes as a culmination of failed negotiations, with cabin crew requesting better pay and conditions. The specific days of the strike have not yet been disclosed but are expected to affect numerous international flights.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, it was known that Air New Zealand had been in negotiations regarding pay increases and working conditions, but there had been no resolution. The union's recent survey of its members indicated significant dissatisfaction with current conditions, leading to the vote for strike action.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Passengers travelling on Air New Zealand flights originating from or heading to the UK may face disruptions. Those with travel plans during the strike days should prepare for potential cancellations or rescheduling of flights, which could lead to additional costs and inconvenience.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses relying on Air New Zealand for logistics or travel may experience delays or increased costs due to the strike. This could affect trade relationships and business operations, especially for firms with international ties.

Policy and regulation

The strike could prompt discussions within the UK regarding workers’ rights and labour relations, particularly in the aviation sector. There may be calls for regulatory reviews if the situation escalates or affects a significant number of passengers.

Numbers that matter

• 3: Number of days the cabin crew plan to strike in February.
• 70%: Percentage of crew who voted in favour of the strike action, indicating strong support.
• 5: Months of unsuccessful negotiations prior to the strike announcement.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Strike: An organised work stoppage by employees to express grievances or force negotiations.
• Union: An organisation that represents the collective interests of workers in negotiations with employers.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Passengers should monitor updates from Air New Zealand regarding flight statuses and any changes due to the strike. Those with bookings during the strike days may need to consider alternative arrangements.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The situation may evolve depending on the outcome of negotiations post-strike. If no resolution is reached, further strikes could be planned, impacting long-term flight schedules and passenger confidence.

Signals to watch

• Official announcements from Air New Zealand regarding negotiations and strike outcomes.
• Passenger feedback and reports of travel disruptions during the strike days.
• Union statements on future plans or potential resolutions reached with the airline.

Practical guidance

Do

• Check your flight status regularly if travelling with Air New Zealand during the strike period.
• Consider alternative travel options if your flight is affected.
• Stay informed about developments regarding negotiations between the union and Air New Zealand.

Don’t

• Assume your flight will operate as scheduled without checking for updates.
• Ignore communications from the airline regarding your travel plans.
• Book new travel arrangements without verifying the latest information.

Checklist

• Review your travel insurance policy for coverage during strikes.
• Have a backup travel plan in place in case of cancellations.
• Stay connected with the airline for real-time updates.
• Keep an eye on social media for announcements from the union.
• Understand your rights regarding refunds and rebookings.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the strike is confirmed, the exact days and extent of its impact remain uncertain. Negotiations could resume or intensify, potentially averting the strike. Additionally, operational changes by Air New Zealand could mitigate disruptions, but the situation is fluid and subject to change.

Bottom line

The decision by Air New Zealand cabin crew to strike highlights significant unrest within the airline regarding pay and working conditions. Passengers should prepare for possible disruptions in February and stay informed about developments in the negotiations that could impact their travel plans.

FAQs

What are the dates of the Air NZ cabin crew strike?

The specific dates for the Air New Zealand cabin crew strike have yet to be announced, but it is confirmed to occur over three days in February.

What does the strike mean for passengers?

Passengers flying with Air New Zealand during the strike may face cancellations or delays, so it’s advisable to check flight statuses regularly.

How can I stay updated about the situation?

To stay informed, regularly check Air New Zealand's official website and follow updates from the airline and cabin crew union on social media.