Transport strikes averted as TIL Logistics, Air NZ find common ground with unions

Separate strikes threatening to disrupt travel plans in the run-up to Christmas have been averted as mediated negotiations came up with offers strong enough to take to union members. Last night Air New Zealand and union negotiators reached an agreement in principle on pay and conditions for more than 970 workers, lifting a planned three-day strike just ahead of Christmas. Pacific Fuel Haul today said it successfully ended talks with First Union on behalf of 164 truck drivers, who also lifted a planned five-day strike notice that threatened to disrupt fuel supplies. Both deals still need workers to accept the agreements, which have been recommended by the respective unions. The Air New Zealand claim threatened to disrupt 120,000 travellers in the three days before Christmas, triggering accusations by opposition MPs that the Labour-led coalition government had emboldened unions to take more aggressive industrial action.<br/>