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The union for Zeal cabin crew who have been suspended after augmenting their uniforms with fancy dress, will fight to have them reinstated.
EPMU secretary Andrew Little says part of the strike notice issued by the workers was that they would adapt their uniforms in protest.
That's not the airline's view, with Air New Zealand saying wearing feather boas and pink wigs is over the top and possibly in breach of civil aviation regulations.
"The uniform identifies cabin crew, which is important for safety reasons, as well as the ability to convey authority and professionalism...", says Air New Zealand group general manager short haul airlines, Bruce Parton.
Air NZ also say they are fielding an increasing number of complaints from staff and customers over the behaviour of Zeal cabin crew.
The workers are seeking pay parity with other cabin crew directly employed by Air New Zealand.
Little says if they are to get back around the table, suspending workers doesn't help.
He says the union thinks the airline is acting unlawfully, and they're certainly acting provocatively.
More talks on the dispute are unlikely on Thursday, but would probably be held on Friday.
The EPMU announced industrial action on March 24 including a three-day strike to take place beginning April 8, saying six months of negotiations with Air New Zealand had failed.
Do you have any images or video footage of the Zeal cabin crew dressed up in their pink gear? Send them to us at news@tvnz.co.nz
