Air New Zealand Faces Travel Alert as Cabin Crew Announces Strike
Air New Zealand is bracing for significant operational disruption as cabin crew unions have confirmed plans for industrial action on December 8, 2025, following the breakdown of contract negotiations centered on pay and working conditions.
The airline announced on November 22, 2025, that it had received formal notification from unions E tū and the Flight Attendants and Associated Services Union (FAANZ) regarding the planned strike. The industrial action will affect operations across the airline’s fleet structure, with regional operations facing disruptions between 05:00 and 23:00, while domestic and international services could be impacted throughout the entire 24-hour period.
Approximately 1,250 E tū members employed by Air New Zealand will participate in the strike action, representing a significant portion of the airline’s cabin crew workforce. The dispute centers on what union representatives describe as inadequate compensation proposals that fail to acknowledge the demanding nature of flight attendant responsibilities.
“Crew say Air New Zealand’s latest offer does not reflect the responsibilities, pressures, or fatigue risks that come with their work,” an E tū spokesperson stated. The union has raised concerns about a workplace culture where employees fear speaking publicly about conditions, suggesting they may face unfavorable treatment from management.
Central to the dispute are concerns about crew fatigue and operational safety. An Air New Zealand staff member speaking through E tū highlighted that management is “prioritizing efficiency over crew wellbeing,” with rosters already stretched to capacity. “They’re asking us to be more productive when our rosters are already stretched, and that increases the risk of fatigue. Fatigue in aviation is dangerous, affecting the safety of both crew and passengers,” the staff member explained.
The union argues that crew members are being asked to surrender previously negotiated working conditions simply to receive pay increases matching inflation rates, which they characterize as fundamentally unfair. Workers report feeling disconnected from management and undervalued despite company messaging about employees being its greatest asset.
“Crew feel disconnected from management, undervalued, and ignored. The company talks about people being its biggest asset, but the offer on the table doesn’t show that,” the staff member added, noting that union representatives have provided clear feedback and rejected multiple proposals that they believe devalue their work.
Air New Zealand has emphasized its commitment to reaching resolution, stating it is “continuing to work with union representatives on finding a fair and sustainable solution.” The airline has assured passengers that no flights are currently affected and that representatives are working diligently to reach an agreement that would prevent customer disruption.
Should negotiations fail and the strike proceed as planned, Air New Zealand has indicated it may need to implement contingency measures including rebooking affected passengers on alternative flights and providing accommodation where necessary.
E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh emphasized the dedication of cabin crew members and the need for meaningful negotiations. “Cabin crew have gone above and beyond for Air New Zealand and for the travelling public. If the company wants to reach a settlement, they need to make real changes to their position. Our members are seeking a fair deal that reflects their skill, responsibility, and the vital safety role they play every day.”
Negotiations between the unions and Air New Zealand management are scheduled to continue throughout the coming week as both parties work toward resolution ahead of the December 8 deadline. The outcome will have significant implications not only for the airline’s operations during the busy holiday travel season but also for labor relations across New Zealand’s aviation sector.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102495223-909