May 9, 2007
Media Release

Air Nelson faces strike action

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has served notice of strike action on Air New Zealand’s biggest Link company, Air Nelson.

The action will begin at midnight on the 24th of May and comes after nine days of talks, including four days with a mediator.

EPMU National Aviation Industry Organiser Strachan Crang says workers at Air Nelson are determined to get a fair go.

“Our members agreed to a below average deal last time so the company could grow and now they expect that loyalty to be rewarded,” Mr Crang said.

“Air Nelson has picked up a heap of extra business with the collapse of Origin Pacific, and our members are doing that extra work for the same pay. Any pay rise needs to reflect the lift in productivity.”

“Air Nelson is fully owned by Air New Zealand and the parent company seems to have no hesitation in using its market position to keep wage levels down.”

“This kind of erosion of pay and skills is going to seriously hurt our aviation industry in the near future, and that’s a serious issue given how important this industry is to New Zealand’s economic growth.

The company is offering a three year deal of 3.6%, 3% and 3.6% and the removal of long service leave. The union is claiming 5.8% and 4.8% over two years and the retention of long service leave.

The strike action will include rolling stoppages, a food freight handling ban and a blanket overtime ban for all union members and will be targeting Air Nelson operations between most of New Zealand’s provincial cities and main centres.

ENDS

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