Airways New Zealand and NZALPA sign significant strategic partnership

Airways New Zealand and New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) are pleased to announce they have entered a strategic partnership framework and signed a memorandum of understanding that will govern their relationship until 2033.

NZALPA is the union representing all 372 Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) employed by Airways.

The MoU enables Airways and NZALPA to focus on the delivery of Airways’ strategy through to 2033 and improvements that benefit both Airways and its Air Traffic Controllers.

A key component of the MoU is to define an agreed set of parameters that will be applied to collective agreement negotiations for the next nine years, ensuring a stable industrial environment through to 2033.

Airways Board Chair Denise Church QSO said the partnership provides the framework for stronger communication, genuine collaboration and effective problem-solving.

“Our people are our greatest asset, and this MoU recognises and protects our Air Traffic Controllers and supports Airways’ strategic initiatives and our commitment to keeping the skies safe, while also creating the aviation environment of the future.”

The strategic partnership incorporates several principles including:

• A commitment to meaningful dialogue, information sharing, and collaborative problem-solving
• Ensuring fairness and consistency (terms and conditions/employment practices)
• A joint approach to providing optimal safety outcomes
• Engaging in strategic initiatives and working together to ensure a mutually beneficial implementation of the Airways strategy
• Building trust and confidence between the parties and supporting a safe working environment
• Agreed principles and methodology to create a sustainable workforce through remuneration and resourcing.

NZALPA ATC Director Mike Slack said that although the relationship has historically been challenging, the Airways Board and management team have supported the working group throughout this important piece of work.

“We see this as a significant first step towards improving the relationships and providing NZALPA ATC members real opportunity to give meaningful input, as well as ensuring a secure work environment with greater certainty around expectations and salary.”

Representatives of the two organisations signed the agreement at a meeting in Auckland yesterday.