Virgin Atlantic strike: pilots end threat of industrial action

Add to My Stories Share For travellers heading to the US and Caribbean this summer, the news that a damaging pilots' strike at Virgin Atlantic has been called off will bring huge relief.Union Balpa said it had 'now secured an offer' from Virgin Atlantic and this would be put to pilots in a ballot.

Come fly with me: Virgin pilots have reached an agreement to end possible strike actionBalpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: 'Pilots have never wished to inconvenience the travelling public, especially those looking forward to summer holidays.'We have therefore lifted the threat of strike action. Virgin Atlantic pilots will proudly continue their role of flying passengers safely to their destinations.'

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Virgin Atlantic said tonight: '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.'

Relieved: Virgin Atlantic passengers will not face interruptions to their holidays The lifting of the strike threat is excellent news for the airline and also for holidaymakers who will now be able to go ahead with their summer breaks without fear of industrial action.
Balpa's Virgin members had voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in a dispute over a 4% pay offer.

Lets talk: Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson pleaded with pilots to avoid strikingBalpa had urged Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson to get involved in negotiations.
Sir Richard declined to do so but offered to talk privately to pilots.
In a letter to the pilots, Sir Richard warned that unless Balpa withdrew its threat of a strike it would leave an 'indelible scar' on the airline and 'impact customers' trust in us and damage the unique and friendly culture at Virgin Atlantic.'