I think what we know p7lot is that VIRGIN the airline, has always been Beardy's little "trainset" and the icing on the cake of his empire. He may decide to fund its losses indefinitely.
Therefore if the business is not run on established fiscal rules, it is OK for VIRGIN pilots to strike and make Branson shell out to keep his "four engines for longhaul" jets in the air.
Good luck to VS pilots!!