Air New Zealand Faces Growing Strike Threat As Twelve Hundred Cabin Crew Demand Action On Pay, Working Conditions, And Roster Instability Following Stalled Talks

Published on November 19, 2025

Air New Zealand is experiencing the cabin crew walkout strike since 1,200 of the airline’s crew members voted overwhelmingly to strike due to the airline’s poor workplace relations on the crew members’ pay, working conditions, and roster gaps. The strike vote followed the airline’s crew members’ frustration of being underpaid and overworked due to the demanding nature of the role coupled with poor workplace conditions. The crew’s cabin union negotiated a strike deal due to the airline’s crew members working irregular shift hours, long shift hours, and frequent roster gaps without a living wage to sustain the crew members’ livelihood. The union is negotiating on behalf of the workers to advocate for a living wage to sustain a modest livelihood in the role the airline assigns, especially in the unrelenting role of the airline in destabilizing the crew members’ rosters which disrupts personal lives and the workers’ health.

Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, increasing pressure on the airline as talks over their collective agreement remain stalled. The strike vote comes after months of negotiations that have failed to resolve ongoing concerns regarding pay, roster conditions, and the recognition of their challenging roles within the airline.

Approximately 1,200 cabin crew members from both domestic and international flights have expressed deep frustration over what they perceive as the airline’s insufficient compensation for their work. Despite the critical role they play in maintaining the safety and comfort of passengers, many cabin crew members feel their contributions are undervalued by the airline’s management.

A Call for Fair Compensation and Better Work Conditions

The cabin crew’s demands focus on securing a more equitable wage and improved working conditions. Currently, many staff members earn a base salary of around NZ$60,000, which is considered inadequate given the demanding nature of their jobs. In addition to long hours, irregular shifts, and frequent periods on standby, crew members must also navigate roster instability, with schedules changing monthly, making it difficult to balance work with family life and personal well-being.

The frustration among the cabin crew has been further fueled by Air New Zealand’s decision to undertake a NZ$100 million share buy-back, a move that has been viewed as out of touch with the airline’s ongoing failure to adequately compensate its employees. The cabin crew have stressed that they are not seeking extravagant salaries but simply a “fair deal” that reflects the skill set, responsibilities, and rising cost of living.

Impact of the Dispute on Air New Zealand’s Operations

As tensions rise, there are growing concerns about the potential impact on travelers. The union, however, has stated that strike action will not occur in the critical seven days leading up to Christmas, with international crews also agreeing to remain available for flights back to New Zealand during the dispute. This approach aims to minimize disruptions for passengers, ensuring that international travelers are not left stranded overseas while the dispute continues.

The union has made it clear that it remains open to negotiation and hopes to reach a fair and equitable agreement that will prevent the need for widespread industrial action. There is a strong desire to resolve the dispute without causing disruptions for passengers, provided the airline engages in good-faith negotiations and comes to the table with a genuine intent to settle the issue.

History of Labor Disputes at Air New Zealand

The current dispute follows a history of labor issues at Air New Zealand. In previous years, cabin crew leaders staged prolonged bans on in-flight training to demand better pay, particularly for returning crew members who saw their wages drop after the COVID-19 pandemic. This ongoing dissatisfaction highlights the broader issue of pay equity within the aviation industry, with cabin crew and other aviation professionals continuing to advocate for fairer compensation.

The cabin crew’s vote to strike underscores a significant challenge for the airline, particularly as it seeks to maintain its reputation for service excellence and customer satisfaction. As the airline industry continues to recover from the pandemic, the need for a well-supported workforce is critical. Ensuring that cabin crew members feel valued and fairly compensated is essential to maintaining operational efficiency and customer service standards.

The Future of the Dispute

The outcome of this strike vote marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations between Air New Zealand and its cabin crew. While the union has made it clear that it is prepared to take action, it has also expressed a willingness to avoid industrial action if a fair agreement can be reached. The priority remains securing a deal that respects the hard work and dedication of the airline’s cabin crew while ensuring minimal disruption to travelers.

In the coming weeks, both sides will need to demonstrate a commitment to resolving the issue before the situation escalates further. The airline’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue will be crucial in preventing a strike that could disrupt flight schedules and impact passengers worldwide.

Air New Zealand cabin crew have taken a significant step toward strike action, highlighting ongoing concerns about pay, work conditions, and the lack of recognition for their contributions. The strike vote signals mounting frustration among the airline’s workforce, yet the union remains hopeful that a fair deal can be reached without causing widespread disruption. As negotiations continue, the airline’s response will determine whether the dispute can be resolved amicably or whether a strike will become inevitable. With the holiday season fast approaching, both the airline and its cabin crew must work quickly to avoid further tension and ensure that passengers can travel with peace of mind.

Air New Zealand is facing a growing strike threat as 1,200 cabin crew demand action on pay, working conditions, and roster instability, following months of stalled negotiations and ongoing frustration over inadequate compensation and unpredictable schedules.

This situation highlights the growing importance of fair treatment for airline employees, particularly in the post-pandemic era. As the aviation industry faces increasing challenges, addressing labor concerns is critical to maintaining a strong, committed workforce capable of meeting the demands of global air travel.