Virgin UK - Crew Discussions
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Virgin Cabin Crew August Strike
Passengers planning to take off from Heathrow Heathrow airport face possible delays over the August bank holiday as Virgin cabin staff consider a strike because pay talks with the airline have broken down. Virgin's Cabin crew's trade union Amicus have rejected an offer on the table of a two per cent increase in salary. This compared to 4.6 percent rise recently agreed at British Airways.
If this industrial action fails to be settled there could be disruption over the August bank holiday affecting flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick.
Bryan Boyd from Amicus said in a Daily Mail article : "Virgin face the prospect of industrial action over the August bank Holiday weekend. They are failing to recognise the professionalism and loyalty of their cabin crew."
Virgin Atlantic stated that its pay and conditions offer was 'very fair' and that 'our door remains open to talks.'
By: Helen Gillilan
Source:
UK Airport News
Passengers planning to take off from Heathrow Heathrow airport face possible delays over the August bank holiday as Virgin cabin staff consider a strike because pay talks with the airline have broken down. Virgin's Cabin crew's trade union Amicus have rejected an offer on the table of a two per cent increase in salary. This compared to 4.6 percent rise recently agreed at British Airways.
If this industrial action fails to be settled there could be disruption over the August bank holiday affecting flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick.
Bryan Boyd from Amicus said in a Daily Mail article : "Virgin face the prospect of industrial action over the August bank Holiday weekend. They are failing to recognise the professionalism and loyalty of their cabin crew."
Virgin Atlantic stated that its pay and conditions offer was 'very fair' and that 'our door remains open to talks.'
By: Helen Gillilan
Source:
UK Airport News
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Unite recommends rejection of Virgin Atlantic pay offer
Thursday 28 June 2007
Unite (Amicus section), the UK’s largest union, is recommending that its’ members, who are employed as cabin crew, reject the derisory ‘full and final’ pay offer from Virgin Atlantic.
Unite will be conducting a consultative ballot of it’s 2,800 members after six months of negotiations. This will be the second ballot after members rejected an original offer in April of just 2% over 18 months.
The latest offer, a 40 month deal, which Unite calculate to be 5.3% over the first 2 years, representing an increase of half the rate of inflation. The third year is RPI.
Unite National Officer, Brian Boyd, says:
“The Union believe that this offer does not adequately reflect the loyalty and dedication of its cabin crew and are asking for nothing more than an increase to basic pay of 4.8% which was the RPI as of April this year.
“Virgin Atlantic have to stop giving wealthy individuals tickets to the moon, and start giving their loyal and dedicated workforce a wage which at least recognises the cost of living in the UK.”
If the Unite members reject the pay offer then the Union will move to an industrial action ballot.
Ends
For further information contact Martin Scanlon, Unite press office 020 7420 8934 or 07764 655751
Notes for editors
Pay offer is a 3year plus 4 month deal. (40 months total)
Basic rate increase in the first 27 months of 6.4%. Due to date of increase being moved twice Unite calculate this to be 5.3% over the first 2 years.
There will be no increase to trip pay and other variable elements of pay in the first 15 months of deal.
Third year will see increase at current RPI.
Other pay deals negotiated for cabin crew at other airlines:
British Airways – 4.6%
British Midland – 4%
Thomas Cook – 4.6%
Monarch – RPI over two years and holiday entitlement
GB Airways – 4.8%
Ballot papers will be going out 29th June and closes 24th July
Thursday 28 June 2007
Unite (Amicus section), the UK’s largest union, is recommending that its’ members, who are employed as cabin crew, reject the derisory ‘full and final’ pay offer from Virgin Atlantic.
Unite will be conducting a consultative ballot of it’s 2,800 members after six months of negotiations. This will be the second ballot after members rejected an original offer in April of just 2% over 18 months.
The latest offer, a 40 month deal, which Unite calculate to be 5.3% over the first 2 years, representing an increase of half the rate of inflation. The third year is RPI.
Unite National Officer, Brian Boyd, says:
“The Union believe that this offer does not adequately reflect the loyalty and dedication of its cabin crew and are asking for nothing more than an increase to basic pay of 4.8% which was the RPI as of April this year.
“Virgin Atlantic have to stop giving wealthy individuals tickets to the moon, and start giving their loyal and dedicated workforce a wage which at least recognises the cost of living in the UK.”
If the Unite members reject the pay offer then the Union will move to an industrial action ballot.
Ends
For further information contact Martin Scanlon, Unite press office 020 7420 8934 or 07764 655751
Notes for editors
Pay offer is a 3year plus 4 month deal. (40 months total)
Basic rate increase in the first 27 months of 6.4%. Due to date of increase being moved twice Unite calculate this to be 5.3% over the first 2 years.
There will be no increase to trip pay and other variable elements of pay in the first 15 months of deal.
Third year will see increase at current RPI.
Other pay deals negotiated for cabin crew at other airlines:
British Airways – 4.6%
British Midland – 4%
Thomas Cook – 4.6%
Monarch – RPI over two years and holiday entitlement
GB Airways – 4.8%
Ballot papers will be going out 29th June and closes 24th July
Join Date: Nov 2005
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The union says it s to ballot its membership of 2880. I was led to believe that only about 750 of the 4000 VS cc were members. Is this correct. If so even a unaminous vote would still be a minority of the total cc....?
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Latest Offer
Virgin needs to realise that it cannot continue running an airline on the goodwill of its staff.
The airline responds to the market whenever fuel costs etc increase with fare or surcharge increases (such as on iFly today) but us crew are not in a position to to compensate ourselves for increased interest rates, higher energy bills, high petrol costs... the list is endless.
We all joined VS for different reasons but one thing we should be clear on is that we must unite and support our union who in turn are supporting us. Ensure you cast your vote and encourage your non-union member colleagues to sign up (no, I am not a union rep by the way!).
I'm sick to death of the petty "updates" on iFly...
Fear not, an airline valued at 2.2 BILLION POUNDS is not going to fold over this so don't fall for the flannel.
VOTE NO!
The airline responds to the market whenever fuel costs etc increase with fare or surcharge increases (such as on iFly today) but us crew are not in a position to to compensate ourselves for increased interest rates, higher energy bills, high petrol costs... the list is endless.
We all joined VS for different reasons but one thing we should be clear on is that we must unite and support our union who in turn are supporting us. Ensure you cast your vote and encourage your non-union member colleagues to sign up (no, I am not a union rep by the way!).
I'm sick to death of the petty "updates" on iFly...
Fear not, an airline valued at 2.2 BILLION POUNDS is not going to fold over this so don't fall for the flannel.
VOTE NO!
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CC
I have always been interested in avaition and love to fly. Virgin are one of the best and it is interesting read about the pay talks at VS. I see on the site they offer a basic of about Ł10000 WTF is that? How can that be worth it!
Also VS like you to be able to swim 25m plus. I can not even swim so I need to learn or can't work for VS crew.
Also VS like you to be able to swim 25m plus. I can not even swim so I need to learn or can't work for VS crew.
Join Date: May 2006
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flybee,
log into iFly and on the left hand side you'll see destinations, then in there you will find the list of what allowances we get for each trip.
Miami is a good one but Vegas is shocking!
Enjoy your first trip x
log into iFly and on the left hand side you'll see destinations, then in there you will find the list of what allowances we get for each trip.
Miami is a good one but Vegas is shocking!
Enjoy your first trip x
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Great...somne airline do not even mention as needed. Maybe they fly over land all the time lol.
I'm useless at swimming...
Here is a Q about CC, is it true the employers/airlines only like to employ 'good looking' people?
I ask as it seems like an industry that is heavily stereotyped?
I'm useless at swimming...
Here is a Q about CC, is it true the employers/airlines only like to employ 'good looking' people?
I ask as it seems like an industry that is heavily stereotyped?
CC Stereotyping
uk20-
Re one aspect of the question of stereotyping -the extremely high level of grooming and, for the females, hair styles and make up can give the impression of sameness. If you have a look at some of the clips of the Virgin Wings graduations on YouTube you can see that there is, indeed, quite a variation in the individuals themselves.
No one should be put off applying because of a perceived pre-judgment of type. Most companies no longer require a photograph to be submitted with an application. The important factor is putting across your personality both in written form and during any subsequent interviews.
leeUK
Re one aspect of the question of stereotyping -the extremely high level of grooming and, for the females, hair styles and make up can give the impression of sameness. If you have a look at some of the clips of the Virgin Wings graduations on YouTube you can see that there is, indeed, quite a variation in the individuals themselves.
No one should be put off applying because of a perceived pre-judgment of type. Most companies no longer require a photograph to be submitted with an application. The important factor is putting across your personality both in written form and during any subsequent interviews.
leeUK
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Yeah I have always noticed how VS have the good looking girls on board. However, BA have the good looking as well as normal people. No offence to anyone!!!
Also VS have a young crew....then again that is the VS image....young and vibrant I guess!
Also VS have a young crew....then again that is the VS image....young and vibrant I guess!
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I agree with the previous comments. There is a perceived "glamour' associated with the airline industry and most airlines expect their crew to adhere to gromming regulations in one way or another. I know BA have no stipulation regarding girls wearing make-up but Virgin is slightly different... in a good way of course! Girls are required to wear their uniforms in a certain way but isn't that all part of working at Virgin... we are glam! Pop on that red lippy and show BA how it should be done!
PS. I couldn't swim a stroke before I got the job but quickly learnt... go for it!
PS. I couldn't swim a stroke before I got the job but quickly learnt... go for it!
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Can't wait to hear the result of the ballot!!
Does anybody have an idea on how long it will take for the union to annouce the results?
See you all outside Queens with a cocktail on strike day x
Does anybody have an idea on how long it will take for the union to annouce the results?
See you all outside Queens with a cocktail on strike day x
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October Training
Hi All
Is there anybody else out there who completed selection process in June had an eamail saying congrats got CC position and has yet to hear anything else.
Was told at interview training may be in October. How soon should I expect hear anything? Will I get confirmation in writing, does this happen once security checks have been completed. Was requested not to go away until all had been confirmed but I really have to take two trips one at end of Sept. Help or advice accepted. This site has been fab saving me lots of questions although I still have a million more.
Good luck to you all in pay talks. I guess joining the union is important.
Is there anybody else out there who completed selection process in June had an eamail saying congrats got CC position and has yet to hear anything else.
Was told at interview training may be in October. How soon should I expect hear anything? Will I get confirmation in writing, does this happen once security checks have been completed. Was requested not to go away until all had been confirmed but I really have to take two trips one at end of Sept. Help or advice accepted. This site has been fab saving me lots of questions although I still have a million more.
Good luck to you all in pay talks. I guess joining the union is important.
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Cabin Crew Pay Ballot
The result of the recent pay ballot by Unite is now known. The offer was overwhelmingly rejected.
We are obviously extremely disappointed that a successful outcome could not be reached at this stage.
Talk of a ballot for industrial action is not in the interest of anyone at Virgin Atlantic and is already causing immeasurable damage to customer confidence, crew relations, and our brand around the world. Unfortunately Brian Boyd, Unite Lead Negotiatior, has already been briefing the media which is already causing understandable angst for our passengers over their important summer holidays.
I understand how unsettling the current situation is. I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to resolve matters as soon as possible.
Both I and everyone at the airline value the huge contribution that you make, this is reflected in recent pay awards which have been above RPI over the last four years. We remain open to returning to the negotiating table in order to work out a deal which will be acceptable to you, yet affordable for the airline.
I will of course continue to keep you updated on any developments.
Linda Moir
Director of Inflight Services
The result of the recent pay ballot by Unite is now known. The offer was overwhelmingly rejected.
We are obviously extremely disappointed that a successful outcome could not be reached at this stage.
Talk of a ballot for industrial action is not in the interest of anyone at Virgin Atlantic and is already causing immeasurable damage to customer confidence, crew relations, and our brand around the world. Unfortunately Brian Boyd, Unite Lead Negotiatior, has already been briefing the media which is already causing understandable angst for our passengers over their important summer holidays.
I understand how unsettling the current situation is. I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to resolve matters as soon as possible.
Both I and everyone at the airline value the huge contribution that you make, this is reflected in recent pay awards which have been above RPI over the last four years. We remain open to returning to the negotiating table in order to work out a deal which will be acceptable to you, yet affordable for the airline.
I will of course continue to keep you updated on any developments.
Linda Moir
Director of Inflight Services
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Well Done!
Well done to all the Virgin Crew who stood by each other. Now comes the challenge. The company will start to get nasty... threats etc but WE MUST STAY STRONG AND STICK TOGETHER.
We will now be balloted on Strike Action - WE MUST VOTE YES TO STRIKE ACTION AND STICK BY THE UNION. IF WE DON'T, WE HAVE LOST EVERYTHING.
And since when have we EVER received above inflation pay rises???
I CANNOT URGE YOU ENOUGH TO STICK TOGETHER OVER THE COMING WEEKS. PASS ON THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR COLLEAGUES.
We will now be balloted on Strike Action - WE MUST VOTE YES TO STRIKE ACTION AND STICK BY THE UNION. IF WE DON'T, WE HAVE LOST EVERYTHING.
And since when have we EVER received above inflation pay rises???
I CANNOT URGE YOU ENOUGH TO STICK TOGETHER OVER THE COMING WEEKS. PASS ON THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR COLLEAGUES.