Union begins balloting Virgin pilots over Christmas strike action
Members of the Professional Pilots Union at Virgin Atlantic are being balloted over industrial action.
The PPU, which represents approximately half of the airline’s unionised pilots, is angry it has been excluded from recent negotiations over a benefits review because the airline refuses to recognise it.
The airline has been in dispute with Virgin over recognition for two years.
The ballot will close on December 7.
Spokesman Steve Jonson, a former Virgin captain, said: "Lots of organisations deal with multiple unions – why should Virgin be so different?" he said.
"They’re burying their head in the sand; we have a mandate from our pilots to negotiate, and we expect to be respected for that."
He said PPU members were being ‘frozen out’.
"As a group we are a professional and moderate bunch of people; we’ve invested tens of thousands in our training to be able to fly these jets and provide for our families. We’re not about to see that diminished by some cost-cutting exercise imposed by the company.
"We’ve held out the olive branch for two years now, but Virgin have never taken it up.
"We now have to take action to show the company we need them to do the right thing and recognise us."
Virgin released a message to all staff last Thursday that indicates a softening of position.
It said: ‘You provided us with valuable and varied feedback, which seems to be related to the area in the business you work. This proves the importance of consulting with you all, and with our committees and unions.
"Overall the response has been positive but there are certain aspects that many of you feel strongly about.
"We’ll be continuing conversations with you, our unions and committees."
Jonson added: "All unions apart from the PPU, apparently. Notwithstanding all this, our door is always open for Virgin to walk through and talk to us."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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