E tū members working as cabin crew at Air New Zealand will strike for 24 hours on Monday, 8 December 2025, after months of negotiations have failed to secure agreement on pay and conditions. The union represents more than 80% of the crew which indicates that the disruption resulting from the strike action will be severe affecting travel plans for passengers in the thousands.
Around 1250 E tū cabin crew across the international, domestic, and regional fleets are set to stop work for the full day, under three separate strike notices that together cover the entire network. According to E tū, members are seeking improvements that recognise the safety-critical nature of cabin crew work, rising fatigue risks and the cost of living. Crew say the company’s latest offer does not reflect the responsibilities and pressure of their roles.
Months of negotiations have failed to arrive at an agreement with the airline to secure a fair pay and conditions.
“Air New Zealand is prioritising efficiency over crew wellbeing. 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. We’re also being asked to trade away hard-won conditions just to get an inflation-level pay rise, and that isn’t a fair deal,” one anonymous crew member says. They add that morale has been deteriorating. “Right now, morale is low. Crew feel disconnected from management, undervalued, and ignored. A decent offer would mean safer, more sustainable conditions and a pay rise that actually moves us forward.”
E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says cabin crew have demonstrated “loyalty, professionalism, and care” through challenging years and that “the company needs to change course” to reach a settlement. She confirms negotiations will continue in the lead-up to 8 December and that the union remains available to talk.
“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,” added Rachel.
Speaking to New Zealand Travel Trade earlier, E tū Director, Michael Wood said the airline needs to listen as this is not only about fair pay but undermines the very safety and well being of passengers.
“It’s very important that the rules that we have should reflect a reasonable work-life balance and the members should be able to enjoy times with their families and be able to live a life outside of work. The other key thing about the rules is protecting against fatigue as they work in a very sensitive environment and passengers need to be looked after by cabin crews who are alert and not worn out. The members don’t want to see those rules weakened too much just for our members to get a basic pay increase”, said Michael.
Talks with the union and Air New Zealand are on-going with an aim to reach a settlement and avoid strike action.
“It is our hope and expectation that the company will listen to the very clear message that has been sent. Its important to note that this is an historic action. This action covers all three fleets across the widebody, narrowbody and regional and this is not an action that the members take lightly. There is a real sense of anger on not being heard in order to take an action like this. The company does need to hear that message. If the strike action goes ahead, it will have a major impact on Air New Zealand operations.,” said Michael.