Mr Orlando
07-01-2008, 07:32 PM
Virgin Atlantic Strikes Called Off
Updated:19:00, Monday January 07, 2008
Got this info from www.sky.com/news
Two 48-hour strikes planned by Virgin Atlantic cabin crew have been called off after a deal was agreed on pay.
Strike threat has been averted
Thousands of members of the Unite union were due to stage 48-hour walkouts from Wednesday and again from January 16.
They had rejected a two-year wage deal worth 4.8% in year one and the rate of inflation in year two.
However, last-ditch talks produced a deal hailed by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson as a "triumph of common sense."
The agreement remains a two-year deal worth 4.8% followed by a rise in line with inflation, as well as a commitment to review aspects of cabin crew pay next year.
The two sides said in a joint statement that the dispute had been potentially damaging to the relationship between the company, its cabin crew and the union.
Sir Richard said: "We are pleased that both sides have managed to avert strike action that was planned for this week and next.
"The outcome is a triumph of common sense and means that our passengers need not worry about getting to their destinations.
"Our cabin crew are the best flying and continue to provide the highest standards of customer service.
"This agreement will enable us to focus on continuing to offer the best service to our customers."
Brian Boyd, national officer at Unite, added: "This agreement recognises the important contribution cabin crew make to the business and I am of the firm opinion that we now have the opportunity to ensure an improved relationship with Virgin Atlantic in the future."
Updated:19:00, Monday January 07, 2008
Got this info from www.sky.com/news
Two 48-hour strikes planned by Virgin Atlantic cabin crew have been called off after a deal was agreed on pay.
Strike threat has been averted
Thousands of members of the Unite union were due to stage 48-hour walkouts from Wednesday and again from January 16.
They had rejected a two-year wage deal worth 4.8% in year one and the rate of inflation in year two.
However, last-ditch talks produced a deal hailed by Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson as a "triumph of common sense."
The agreement remains a two-year deal worth 4.8% followed by a rise in line with inflation, as well as a commitment to review aspects of cabin crew pay next year.
The two sides said in a joint statement that the dispute had been potentially damaging to the relationship between the company, its cabin crew and the union.
Sir Richard said: "We are pleased that both sides have managed to avert strike action that was planned for this week and next.
"The outcome is a triumph of common sense and means that our passengers need not worry about getting to their destinations.
"Our cabin crew are the best flying and continue to provide the highest standards of customer service.
"This agreement will enable us to focus on continuing to offer the best service to our customers."
Brian Boyd, national officer at Unite, added: "This agreement recognises the important contribution cabin crew make to the business and I am of the firm opinion that we now have the opportunity to ensure an improved relationship with Virgin Atlantic in the future."