Air New Zealand's incoming chief executive is being urged to treat union members fairly.
The national airline has appointed Walmart chief executive Greg Foran as its new CEO, with former boss Christopher Luxon quitting to pursue a career in politics.
E Tu union head of aviation Savage, who goes by only one name, says the appointment has raised alarms.
"We were concerned when we heard Greg Foran had become Air NZ CEO, because Walmart has a such a bad reputation as an anti-union, anti-worker employer," he told Newshub.
"But we also know there have been improvements to that under his leadership."
Walmart has long been criticised for being anti-union, accused of frequently shutting stores rather than let staff unionise.
Savage says union members will expect a meeting with Foran before he starts his new position.
"The expectation of... all union members at Air NZ is that they will have a chance to meet with their new CEO and talk to him about raising the standard of union management projects and processes."
Foran has previously held management positions in Australia and New Zealand. Before taking over Walmart in 2014, Foran ran Woolworths and Countdown. But Savage says he'll need to prove himself anew.
"It's about coming into a company where being in a union is important, and where union members expect to be consulted, and will expect to be able to come and talk to him about what's important to them and what they want to achieve as well."
Air New Zealand has been contacted for a response to Savage's comments.
Newshub.
