Global unions bring weight to bear in Air New Zealand dispute
International Transport Workers Federation (New Zealand) media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 7 May 2009

New Zealand transport unions affilated to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) are bringing their weight to bear in support of locked out flight attendants in their dispute with Air New Zealand.

Tens of thousands of New Zealand transport workers belong to ITF affiliates in New Zealand include the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, Maritime Union of New Zealand, National Distribution Union, Merchant Service Guild, and Aviation and Marine Engineers Association, and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union who represent the locked out workers.

ITF New Zealand Convenor Wayne Butson says the actions of Air New Zealand management are generating a backlash from workers.

"This dispute is about the fair and just treatment of workers. Air New Zealand is a high profile company that depends on maintaining a high quality public image – and that public image is being wrecked by their approach to their workers."

He says the ITF affiliates will continue to support the flight attendants who are members of the EPMU (Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.)

Air New Zealand has locked out 240 flight attendants employed by its subsidiary Zeal 320 Ltd.

The flight attendants are employed on worse wages and conditions than their counterparts at Air New Zealand, despite doing the same work.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is made up of 681 unions representing 4,500,000 transport workers in 148 countries. It is one of several Global Union Federations allied with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

ENDS

© Scoop Media