May 28, 2007
Media Release

EPMU files for injunction against Air Nelson

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has filed for an injunction against Air New Zealand Link company Air Nelson over the airline’s use of illegal strike-breaking labour.

The union alleges the airline used Air New Zealand employees to do work that would have otherwise been done by striking workers, in breach of Section 97 of the Employment Relations Act.

EPMU National Aviation Organiser Strachan Crang says the union has filed the injunction to protect the rights of its members.

“The use of illegal strike-breakers is a clear attempt to undermine the legal rights of our members to fight for a decent pay rise, and we’ll be using the full force of the law to hold Air New Zealand to account.”

Air Nelson and the EPMU have scheduled one day of negotiations tomorrow to see if the situation can be resolved.

Air Nelson is Air New Zealand’s largest Link service and provides the only air connection between most of New Zealand’s regional centres and its main cities. So far 29 flights have been cancelled due to industrial action.

ENDS

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