Union walks out of Air NZ cabin crew pay talks

Negotiations with Air New Zealand cabin staff came to an abrupt end last night when the union walked out of negotiations, the airline says.

About 250 flight attendants employed by Zeal, an Air New Zealand subsidiary, are seeking pay parity with staff employed by the parent company.

Earlier this month, flight attendants called off strike action planned for Easter after a legal challenge by Air NZ.

However, crews have continued their protest by refusing to comply with the airline's uniform policy or to carry out stand-by duties.

In a statement today, Zeal Management said it was disappointed the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) had walked out of the mediation.

The airline said some progress was being made and Zeal management would be ready to return to mediation whenever the union next made itself available.

Following the failed mediation last night, EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said the union would hold meetings with members to discuss future action.

Zeal supplies Air New Zealand with cabin crew for its A320 services on Pacific and trans-Tasman routes.

- NZPA