It is incredulous that Steve Ridgway does not view a below inflation rate as a pay cut. His slip is showing - in more ways than one.
Unless things ARE being effected in the background as they should be, even more incredulous is the fact that Ridgway is somehow coveniently ignoring a 97% stand up and be counted vote for industrial action. THAT is a massive vote against the managment of VA for a just and proper increase. It is certainly something for RB to act upon even if his 'mate' doesn't like it. The future of VA is at stake and it would not be the first time that someone has said that Ridgway is out of his depth.
Jim McAusian of BALPA says:
And how lacking in humility not to face the fact that 97% of his pilots chose to vote for industrial action for the first time in their history which has a whole lot to do with an antiquated and out of date management style at the top of his company.’
He doesn't just have a point. He has it in one. It means that unless Ridgway/Branson agree to meet the demands of the pilots, Virgin will be in very serious trouble. Better men than Ridgway have fallen in the wake of stupid mistakes.
Saying to pilots what they said to CC - 'if you don't like it, leave' - would be crass. Only pilots fly aeroplanes.
If there is an annoucement today, it had better be a good one!