Virgin Pilots Announce Strike Action Over Christmas
Jackie Reddy December 07, 2018
It’s been announced that some Virgin Atlantic pilots will be striking in late December and early January. The strike will be held by the PPU, which represents approximately a third of the carrier’s pilots, and is part of a set of wider actions that will be held over late December and early January.
It has been announced that a number of Virgin Atlantic pilots will be striking in late December, the BBC reports. The industrial action is due to take place from December 22 through to Christmas Day.
The strike is being staged by the Professional Pilots Union (PPU) – the body which represents approximately a third of Virgin’s pilots – and is being held as a result of a disagreement over the union’s recognition by the carrier.
The PPU has also indicated that the strike during the festive period is just one part of a set of strikes it intends on staging regarding this industrial dispute. The outlet reports that more strikes are due to take place from December 30 through to January 2 and from January 4 through to January 7.
The PPU has said that it has not been able to take part in negotiations over proposals to changes to pilot benefits.
Speaking on behalf of the PPU, former Virgin Atlantic pilot Steve Johnson was quoted by the outlet as saying that these strikes are being conducted as a “last straw” because the carrier has “consistently refused to recognize the PPU as a legitimate and independent union”.
He added that, “We hope that Virgin acknowledge the mandate our members have given us, and help avoid strike action by recognizing the PPU and halt the benefits review that is so damaging to our members long-term security. Our door is – and has always been – open to Virgin to take the necessary steps to prevent any disruption for Christmas travelers.”
Offering its comments on this upcoming strike action, Virgin was quoted as stating that, “Our absolute priority is to ensure that all of our customers can continue their journeys as planned this Christmas, and we’re working hard to protect all of their trips.”
I know you want to do whats right for your members but shame on you PPU for keeping people away from their family on Christmas. What would you do if Virgin cut off flight benefits at Christmas because it put them in a better negotiating scenario.