Air NZ releases details of cabin crew deal

Air New Zealand has released details of a proposed settlement with long-haul flight attendants, who went on strike last week after months of failed negotiations.

Strike action by about 1000 members of the Flight Attendants and Related Services Association (Farsa) began last Monday, causing the cancellation of 85 international flights.

Farsa withdrew further action on Saturday after making a deal with airline management over terms and conditions of employment for the next three years.

However, Air NZ had already put irreversible contingency plans in place, and a further 16 flights were cancelled on Sunday and 13 on Monday.

The deal, which was presented to Farsa members at the first of a series of meetings today, includes:

* An average 3.3 per cent annual pay increase over the next three years (the union had been asking for 3.8 per cent);

* Increased allowance provisions, including an additional in-flight meal on certain services;

* 10 cabin crew on each Boeing 777 flight, subject to three reviews over 21 months from the introduction of the first aircraft, planned over the next year.

Air New Zealand General Manager International Airline Ed Sims said the agreement was "in line with Air New Zealand's business plan to deliver a sustainable strategy for the international airline".

- NZPA