VARGAGIRL, you said it really well.
The one thing this threat of industrial action has shown, is how many crew are SO loyal and faithful to VA. How many will readily admit that they still love their jobs and that's why so many have taken such offence to RB's disgusting comment. Many who were not planning to support the action, have now reconsidered as a result of that. Well done RB, you really know how to make your staff feel valued!!!!
Virgin staff give 100% to the Co and they're paid rubbish money, what would you get out of them if you paid them well? Maybe minimal sickness throughout the year, crew who are prepared to help at any time they're needed should a major problem arise and maybe less leaving so you would have a larger wealth of experience and more dedication.
Those who have been in the company for a good few years, will remember how it was when they started, a fun company, everyone knew everyone, we were allowed to take a few drinks off the aircraft, room parties EVERY trip even if it was just a wee nightcap, having lots of fun downroute, great discounts at the megastore, two requests a month etc etc. As a result Virgin had a great reputation as being 'the' airline to work for. The money was pants , but what a lifestyle and company to work for!!
RB and others at the top don't realise those days are long gone, many of the perks that he talks about in his letter have now long gone, we have the same benefits more or less as all other airline employees worldwide, discounted travel and upgrades when we fly, it's an airline industry perk. We face losing our job if we take a packet of nuts off the aircraft and the way the crew behave has also changed as a result of the growth of the company. VA always wanted to become a 'real' airline' which rivalled others worldwide and now that they do just that, the company think they can still get away with paying the salaries that they did when it was a tiny company.
The quicker RB and others realise that its not the funloving party airline that it used to be and that people still really enjoy their jobs but expect to be paid decently for doing them, the more likely it is that we can all get on with doing a great job and move forward