Pilots are not eligible for alternative holidays for standby duty on public holidays unless they are called to work
Pilots rostered on standby during public holidays are not entitled to alternative holidays unless they are actually called to work, according to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
The ERA issued the ruling amid a legal dispute between Jetstar Airways Limited and the New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association (NZALPA) over alternative holidays.
In the dispute, the NZALPA, representing Jetstar pilots, accused the airline of breaching both the collective agreement and section 59 of the Holidays Act 2003.
The union argued that pilots rostered on standby during public holidays faced significant restrictions — such as limitations on travel, alcohol consumption, and personal activities — preventing them from fully enjoying the holiday.
As a result, NZALPA contended that these pilots should be entitled to an alternative holiday, even if they were not called to fly.
Jetstar, however, maintained that its practices were consistent with both the collective agreement and the Holidays Act.
The airline pointed to the wording of the agreement, which it said was negotiated with the union and aligned with statutory requirements.
In its determination, the ERA sided with Jetstar and ruled that it did not breach the collective agreement or the Holidays Act.
"I accept the Jetstar pilots who are on standby during a public holiday are not entitled to an...
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