Virgin Air Crew Stage Pay Strikes ; Flights Hit for Four Days

VIRGIN Atlantic cabin crew are to stage two 48-hour strikes in the New Year in a row over pay.

The Unite union said thousands of their members would walk out on January 9 and January 16 after voting heavily in favour of industrial action.

The workers voted by 1497 to 605 to back strikes, a majority of about 70 per cent.

Unite national officer Brian Boyd said: “Virgin Atlantic’s cabin crew have voted for strike action for the first time in the airline’s history.

“They’ve not taken this decision lightly. They are a world-class crew who’ve been undervalued for too long.

“They are seeking a long-term solution to pay which recognises their loyalty and professionalism.

“Unite are calling on Virgin Atlantic to get back around the negotiating table to get through this impasse and avoid disruption in the New Year.”

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said: “We would like to reassure passengers that our flying programme is operating as normal at this time, and will continue to do so overthe Christmas and NewYearperiod.

“We are disappointed that some of our cabin crew have voted this way but we will do everything we can to get our passengers to their destinations during the threatened industrial action.”

The airline said they offered a two-year deal worth 8.3 per cent onbasic pay.

Ridgway added: “Virgin Atlantic cabin crew put their heart and soul into their work and can be truly proud of what they’ve achieved.

“However, there comes a time when good management has to draw a line in the sand in the interests of all employees.

“There will be no 1 1th hour change to our pay offer.”

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