Zeal Suspensions

Zeal, the company which supplies Air New Zealand with cabin crew for its A320 services on Pacific and trans-Tasman routes, has suspended nine of its staff.

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Bruce Parton says he has been advised by Zeal that the cabin crew were suspended for non-compliance with their strike notice.

“We are extremely disappointed that some Zeal cabin crew are resorting to childish tactics like wearing feather bowers, lace gloves, pink wigs and placing stickers on their foreheads and buttocks. The uniform identifies cabin crew, which is important for safety reasons, as well as the ability to convey authority and professionalism,” Mr Parton says.

“Air New Zealand has respected the fact Zeal staff are legally entitled to take industrial action. However, we would hope that commonsense prevails and they adhere to their obligations under the strike notice. Abusing that right and overstepping the mark is nothing short of dumb. We would hope that the EPMU’s National Secretary Andrew Little, who has taken responsibility for negotiating a deal on behalf of the Zeal crew, is able to turn their attention to constructively resolving the dispute.”

Mr Parton also says Air New Zealand is increasingly fielding comments from staff and customers who are embarrassed by the behaviours of some of the Zeal crew, but are grateful Air New Zealand has been able to maintain its schedule despite their actions.