Air New Zealand Disappointed that Strike Action by FARSA Cabin Crew is Proceeding

Mediation between Air New Zealand and one of its cabin crew unions, FARSA (Flight Attendants and Related Services Association) has failed to achieve the withdrawal of industrial action - with the result that the planned strike by long-haul cabin crew over two separate days next week is likely to go ahead - a situation the airline says is extremely disappointing considering the effort spent in trying to resolve matters.

Air New Zealand Senior Vice President, Customer Services, Brendan Fitzgerald, says the airline had been hopeful of a favourable outcome.

"Air New Zealand has taken the concerns of FARSA seriously, with regard to addressing the rostering issues of our cabin crew working on long haul flights, and we have presented a number of concepts for consideration.

"We believe a broad approach to the issue of crew concerns to be the best way forward and consequently we are looking beyond FARSA's claim for an  additional night's rest period in Los Angeles for crew rostered to work the southbound direct routes from Los Angeles.

 " If our crew are telling us the current situation is unacceptable for them on this route then we felt it was timely to look at the nature of our crew rosters across the whole of our international network as well, which we have done and are continuing to do," said Mr Fitzgerald.

" While we will be open to further discussion with FARSA, clearly our attention must now be on finalising arrangements to ensure disruption to our customers is minimised as we are now facing strike action by (FARSA) long haul cabin crew next Wednesday and Friday," said Mr Fitzgerald.

On 12 November, the airline received notice that members of FARSA employed by Air New Zealand propose to strike from midnight on Tuesday 26 November to 2.00 pm Wednesday 27 November, and again from midnight on Thursday 28 November for the same period Friday 29 November.

The strike action will affect Air New Zealand services to Australia, the Pacific Islands and Asia, and it is likely there will be a few cancellations and some minor delays in the departure of some flights. In the event that a flight is cancelled, affected Air New Zealand booked customers will be advised in advance and either rebooked on the next available Air New Zealand service or with an alternative carrier at no additional cost to themselves.

Air New Zealand has said that final details of contingencies adopted during the strike action will be advised as soon as possible. Travel agents will be advised of any schedule changes and asked to contact their customers directly.