This whole argument is about a couple of minor points in the contract negotiation.
The new pay rates have already been agreed to, but management refuse to backdate them to the end of the last CEA (about six months ago). The only reason any backdating is required is due to management's refusal to negotiate fairly in the first place. The other issue is firm business class travel to the sim (this should be a given).
Anyone who thinks this is acceptable management practice needs their head read. I would imagine the small amount of money required to finalise negotiations has now been spent many times over dealing with the industrial action. Flights are being canceled on a daily basis, which creates a huge headache for much of the domestic network.
This is simply a case of management cutting off their nose to spite their face. It is childish of them to try and keep the pilot group under the thumb like this, particularly a group of pilots who normaly do their utmost to keep the operation ticking along as well as it does. We're now seeing what results from removing that good will.
As others have stated, we need to stick together with our Mt Cook colleagues. Talk of Air Nelson taking over is not helpful, and borne out of ignorance and greed. Any Air Nelson pilot who is rubbing their hands together at the prospect should be put out of their misery.
To the boys and girls at Mt Cook, keep standing firm. We are all behind you.
BTW, if you hear traffic staff bagging MC pilots for the disruptions, please educate them as to the real cause of the problem.