Via the NBR, we learn that the Labour's new President under his guise as the EPMU is planning strikes for some cabin crew. I don't think that price floors unions provide are outrageous in some situations of monopsony or low demand-side competition in the labour market, and they can also help ease information flows in the economy, thus increasing efficiency.
However:
I have no sympathy for this on the part of the EPMU. Trying to claim such massive payrises in a worldwide recession (and in a market with several looking to buy labour) is preposterous, and will no doubt lead to hugely increased unemployment for those they purport to represent. Unions in New Zealand seem to be generally working under the assumption that whatever harms the firm is good for the worker. They will be proven wrong, but only at the expense of the most vulnerable members of society they claim to serve.
It is often said in criticism of collective bargaining that there is no union for the unemployed, but I am starting to think that they are fortunate because of it.
However:
Zeal flight attendants represented by the EPMU recently voted to reject the company offer of a 4.5% pay increase for 15 months....the EPMU is seeking base salary increases of up to 26% and allowance increases of 70%.
I have no sympathy for this on the part of the EPMU. Trying to claim such massive payrises in a worldwide recession (and in a market with several looking to buy labour) is preposterous, and will no doubt lead to hugely increased unemployment for those they purport to represent. Unions in New Zealand seem to be generally working under the assumption that whatever harms the firm is good for the worker. They will be proven wrong, but only at the expense of the most vulnerable members of society they claim to serve.
It is often said in criticism of collective bargaining that there is no union for the unemployed, but I am starting to think that they are fortunate because of it.