Virgin Atlantic and pilots’ union reach deal to avoid strikes
Virgin Atlantic and a union representing its pilots yesterday reached a deal in a bid to avoid a strike by the pilots.
www.marketwatch.com reports the two parties reached a deal to avoid a strike by the pilots, which would have been the first one in Virgin Atlantic’s 27-year history. The offer will now be circulated amongst the pilota and put to vote before the terms are disclosed.
“Pilots have never wished to inconvenience the traveling public, especially those looking forward to summer holidays,” said British Airline Pilots' Association General Secretary Jim McAuslan. “We have, therefore, lifted the threat of strike action.”
The union previously had said Virgin Atlantic was offering pilots a pay increase this year of 4%, with a 3% rise next year and 3% in 2013.
Virgin Atlantic and its pilots have been at odds since 2010 over pay and conditions. Negotiations have continued since November. Balpa represents over 85% of Virgin Atlantic's 750 pilots.
Virgin Atlantic said: “We can confirm that negotiations are now concluded and Balpa will present a pay offer to its members over the coming weeks. The threat of strike action has now been removed and our flying schedule remains completely unaffected.”
Many airlines have faced the threat of strikes as a result of their attempts to restructure during the downturn. For example, British Airways last year was hit by 22 days of strike action by cabin crew, costing it GBP155 million.
