Who says Vs simply cant survive is its cabin crew go on strike? The VS management team, thats who. If they push through this 4.8% deal, then they will be amply rewarded. 4.8% on a 5hite wage is just a little bit more of 5hite, say £500 a year more take home. It is hardly film star wages. If the ground staff feel hard done by, get a union, get organised and get more money.
Dicky don't give two monkeys about his human resource as long as that resource is filling up his bank account. The man is an entrepreneur who can see an opportunity and exploit it. Exploit him. The battles he had back in the 80's against Mr King and BA where great. His brand took on the establishment and won. But it was his people, not resource, that helped him do that. Maybe, the Virgin brand needs to have a little step back and realise this.
When I see that BMW ramp car driving around LGW, I chuckle. It may be a managers company car, BUT, if you are in negotiations with your employees about pay, don't take the pi55. If you were that hard done by as a business, an 01 plate Focus would do.
You cannot use lifestyle as an argument towards the renumeration package. Yeah, staff travel is good and sitting on a beach is nice, but pay is pay.
The VS management team are doing their job. Don't strike or we are all out of a job. This just is not true.
Anyway, the best of luck in your choice. The debate on this thread has been an enjoyable read and many well balanced points have been voiced.