July 4, 2007
Media Release

Air Nelson dispute settles – court case to follow

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members at Air Nelson have voted to accept a revised offer from the company, ending a six week pay dispute involving around 100 airline workers.

The dispute was marked by Air Nelson’s repeated use of illegal strikebreaking labour, which continued even after the union won an injunction ordering the airline to stop. The matter will now go to the Employment Court for a full hearing.

EPMU National Aviation Organiser Strachan Crang says union members can hold their heads high.

“Our members have shown tremendous courage over the last six weeks against a company that was willing to undermine them using any means necessary, including the use of illegal labour.

“While the final settlement isn’t quite what we were after, we have managed to move the company significantly from its original offer.

“Our focus is now on the upcoming Employment Court hearing, where Air Nelson and its parent company Air New Zealand will have to explain their behaviour to the court.”

Air Nelson is a fully owned subsidiary of Air New Zealand and provides Link services between most of New Zealand’s regional cities and its main centres.

The EPMU last month presented a petition to Parliament asking for a select committee inquiry into the industrial relations practices of Air New Zealand.

ENDS

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