Virgin pilots NOT striking!

[pinkhart]

BALPA have announced they have come to an agreement today:

http://www.balpa.org/News-and-campaigns/News/BALPA-SECURE-VIRGIN-OFFER.aspx

 

[Red-Snapper]

That says its going to a ballot.....so not quite all over but still v good news.

 

[wayneg]

Lets hope they accept it.

 

[nipperlocko]

lets all hope and prey for one and all whenever we all go

 

[loobzuk]

definitely a step in the right direction, fingers crossed the new offer is accepted.

 

[disney_princess_85]

Here's hoping this ends positively for everyone.

 

[Sarah28]

Here is the report from Travel Weekly this morning:

"Pilots at Virgin Atlantic have withdrawn a threat to strike pending a ballot on a fresh pay offer from the airline.

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) declined to give details of the new offer in advance of informing its members.

But Balpa 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 continue flying passengers to their destinations.”

The new offer follows more than a week of talks and comes after Balpa members voted to strike by a 97% majority.

It is unclear whether Virgin has increased the money on offer after Balpa rejected a pay deal worth 4% this year and 3% in each of the following two years.

However, the union will require a fresh strike ballot before it can call any action if its members reject this latest offer, since any strike under the current mandate would have to be announced by July 12.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman insisted earlier this week: “There is no extra money.” Balpa has previously suggested that only a substantially improved pay offer would head off anger among members following a three-year pay freeze.

Balpa represents about 640 of Virgin Atlantic’s 750 pilots."

Is it me or does it still sound unresolved?

 

[wayneg]

Is it me or does it still sound unresolved?

Yes it is still unresolved, BALPA have to put the offer to the pilots and have a ballot, the current strike threat is lifted for now but its down to the pilots if the threat returns.

 

[CAROLINE4]

Hope all goes well for all who are soon to be travelling!! it seems to be going in the right direction though!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Here's hoping they accept !

I couldn't bear a strike, I've waited too long for my holiday

 

[LynGregory]

That was just the best news ever yesterday, we fly out on the 29th July and were really starting to worry, think it was the lack of communication that was so awful, the 'not knowing'. Anyway it's all sorted now and no one's holiday will be ruined

 

[wildwood]

Oh this news has made my smile I know it is not completly settled but is sounding better , I may breath a little easier now

 

[skelfbsfb]

Received email informing me of the strike being off.

08/07/2011
A message from Steve Ridgway,
CEO Virgin Atlantic

Dear W*****,

As a valued Flying Club member we wanted to let you know the good news that the pilot pay negotiations are now concluded. As a result BALPA has withdrawn the possibility of strike action and our flying schedule remains completely unaffected.

We would like to thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon.

Best regards,

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive, Virgin Atlantic.

 

[disney_princess_85]

 

[tubtruck]

Excellent news, I was a little worried about the fact that if Virgin was on strike we would have had to send the MIL home on a flight with a connection which would have been difficult for her.

 

[Danauk]

I recieved that email too and am very happy that they are not striking. It is nice to see that they keep their customers informed.