Air NZ engineers vote to strike for three days next week, as negotiations continue

Engineers working for Air New Zealand have voted to strike for three days next week over ongoing pay and working conditions disputes.

The union representing engineering and logistics workers, E t_, says while it remains in mediation with the company, workers voted for a three day strike from 21 December.

The union said the industrial action was in response to the company's low offer and requests for cuts to sick leave and overtime.

E t_ head of aviation said the decision to strike on the 22 and 23 December was not made lightly.

However, Air New Zealand said it was hopeful a third day of negotiations with unions would avert the strike action.

Air New Zealand's Anita Hawthorne said disruption was inevitable but the airline was working on contingency plans to keep flights moving.

Hawthorne said at this stage, no flight delays or cancellations were in place for the days of the proposed strikes and normal fare conditions remain.

[Source:RNZ]