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First the good news: the threat of a looming strike – set to disrupt travel for 120,000 Air New Zealand passengers over the three busiest travel days of the year – has been lifted, to sighs of relief all round.

Now for the not-so-good news: Tigerair pilots have voted overwhelmingly in favour of protected industrial actions that could result in flights being delayed over the busy holiday period, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) said on Friday.

“More than 90% of the AFAP Tigerair pilot members, which represents 75% of Tigerair Australia pilots, voted to approve the taking of protected industrial action following the company’s unsatisfactory pay offer in September,” a statement said.http://www.germany.travel/en/index.html

A report in The Australian quoted AFAP saying Tigerair pilots had not had a pay rise for more than two years, and the company had stalled negotiations over a new enterprise agreement.

Industrial officer James Lauchland told the paper the industrial action would not be conducted on Christmas Day or Boxing Day “as the federation’s members want to ensure passengers can travel to be with their families and friends”.

The action would involve adopting three work bans from 6am on December 21 until midnight on Christmas Eve.

MEANWHILE, Air New Zealand is delighted to have averted the threat of a strike by reaching agreement with the unions representing its aircraft maintenance and logistics workers.

Three days of mediated negotiations concluded with the parties reaching an agreement that the unions will now take to their members for a vote.

Air New Zealand chief ground operations officer Carrie Hurihanganui said the airline had focused on achieving resolution on behalf of its customers, who could now be reassured their Christmas holiday travel plans were secure.

“We know how important it is to our customers to get where they need to be, particularly at this special time of the year and the negotiating teams have been working diligently to achieve this result.”

Written by Peter Needham