Yes, sorry, initial info was wrong about the dates.
OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION TO ALL VIRGIN CREW FROM VIRGIN
Cabin Crew Industrial Action - update 14:30 Thurs 20 Dec
The results of the Cabin Crew strike ballot are now known. I am sorry to report that 71% of union members who voted are in favour of taking action.
This is an outcome I know that some of you had hoped could have been avoided and will cause you great concern. Those who voted for strike action represent just 30% of all the Cabin Crew at
Virgin Atlantic but it is that number, which will lead us into our first strike.
The union have now written to the company detailing when the intended strike action will take place and how long this will last. Unite have outlined that the stoppages will effect flights on the following dates; Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th January and Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th January.
We have been informed that participation in this action will be limited to those who are on the ground in the UK at any point during the relevant 48hour periods. At this point. I need to emphasise that no one regardless of how they voted has to go on strike.
Reluctantly, the pay award that was on the table must now be withdrawn, as our business braces itself for both the commercial and brand damage we are now presented with.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
Our customers will be extremely concerned by todays news. We will do everything we can to honour our commitment to our passengers, therefore our focus is on ensuring we have appropriate contingency plans in place to limit disruption. I want to thank the many of you who have already offered to help.
The coming weeks and months are going to be extremely difficult for everyone at the airline; like many of you I too hoped this day would never happen. Our priority now is to meet our commitments to our customers and protect our airline.
Linda Moir
Director of Inflight Services
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14:30 20 Dec
I have just received the results of the Cabin Crew strike ballot and can report that 71% voted in favour of taking action.
We are obviously bitterly disappointed that a majority of those union members who chose to vote believe that striking is the best way to resolve the current situation. Those who voted for strike action represent just 30% of all the Cabin Crew at Virgin Atlantic but it is that number, which will lead us into our first strike. I dont believe that the vast majority of crew would want to damage our airline and its reputation in this way.
As I outlined during the run up to the ballot, the pay award which was on the table throughout the course of the vote must now be withdrawn as we prepare ourselves for both the commercial and brand damage we are now presented with.
Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew put their heart and soul into their work and can be truly proud of their contribution to the airline. However, there comes a time when we have to draw a line in the sand in the interests of all employees. There will be no eleventh hour offer.
Unite have outlined that the stoppages will effect flights on the following dates; Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th January and Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th January. At this point. I need to emphasise that no one regardless of how they voted has to go on strike.
We must do everything we can to fulfil our responsibilities to our customers during any periods of strike action and will therefore be raising our contingency planning levels with immediate effect. This will require extra support from across the business in the coming weeks so please keep an eye on the Verb for further details of how you might be able to help. In the meantime, we must maintain customer confidence by continuing with our day to day operations, business as usual.
Its a very sad day in Virgin Atlantics history and one, which we had all hoped we would not have to face, but we must all draw strength, focus on the job at hand and prepare ourselves for the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Steve Ridgeway
