The Virgin Strike Thread (Merged)
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Congratluations one and all! You've successfully alienated yourselves from your fellow colleagues, destroyed many passengers hopes of a New Year trip away, and caused chaos for those now involved trying to assure our passengers. Worst still you generally still believe in the mis-informed guidance from those that believe the company will now give you more money.
Moreover, I am appauled at those that couldn't be bothered to vote.
I can't believe the stupidity showed by a group of people I once admired - such a shame.
Moreover, I am appauled at those that couldn't be bothered to vote.
I can't believe the stupidity showed by a group of people I once admired - such a shame.
Join Date: Jul 2003
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We should also get hardship payment for kingston. $61 is a joke!! Its a really hard going flight. with deportee's being dragged down the isles kicking and screaming.Wanting to cause as much disruption as possible. I certainly wont be doing 1 again.
Its a sad day for our wonderful airline and I am disgraced by the management and feel really let down that they have let it get to this stage.
Come on guys its time to stick together no matter what dosh they offer you to work on those days. Ive got a feeling they are going to try and break us. We have to think of our future.
Oh can i just put another 2pence worth in. I cant take any more of this monthly standby ****! get rid of them ive done 3 in 18months. it was meant to be 4 in 3 years. wot a load of old ****. moan over.
Its a sad day for our wonderful airline and I am disgraced by the management and feel really let down that they have let it get to this stage.
Come on guys its time to stick together no matter what dosh they offer you to work on those days. Ive got a feeling they are going to try and break us. We have to think of our future.
Oh can i just put another 2pence worth in. I cant take any more of this monthly standby ****! get rid of them ive done 3 in 18months. it was meant to be 4 in 3 years. wot a load of old ****. moan over.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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G-UNIT - there may be plenty of people willing to do the job but how long will they do it for when they realise they are getting peanuts?
Attrition is high at VS and must cost millions. Its costs around £20k to hire, train a new crew member. This money would be better spent on retaining existing staff who genuinelly would love to stay at Virgin but unfortunately can't afford to.
Attrition is high at VS and must cost millions. Its costs around £20k to hire, train a new crew member. This money would be better spent on retaining existing staff who genuinelly would love to stay at Virgin but unfortunately can't afford to.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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GLAMOURGIRL & BACK2FRONT
You sound like you understand the situation. Its so important now to boulster our colleagues and assure them that they can now take action regardless of how they voted.
I believe a lot of crew either didn't vote or voted no because they were too worried that the company would find out who they are.They need to be assured that it is safe to walk out the door now on the 9th and 16th of Jan.
If you have e-mail addresses or Phone numbers of your colleagues or if you are using other networks like cabincrew.com please get out there and let them know by e-mail text or whatever means you can.
We can't let this opportunity slip now. We've come too far.
Cheers
You sound like you understand the situation. Its so important now to boulster our colleagues and assure them that they can now take action regardless of how they voted.
I believe a lot of crew either didn't vote or voted no because they were too worried that the company would find out who they are.They need to be assured that it is safe to walk out the door now on the 9th and 16th of Jan.
If you have e-mail addresses or Phone numbers of your colleagues or if you are using other networks like cabincrew.com please get out there and let them know by e-mail text or whatever means you can.
We can't let this opportunity slip now. We've come too far.
Cheers
Join Date: May 2007
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really!
Also, a lot of crew were concerned that the ballot papers had serial numbers written on them. Many crew commented they were worried that this could lead to their ballot paper being traced back to them.
Do these people REALLY understand what they are getting involved in. I despair when I read things like that.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Oh dear 
I'm just one customer, so what does my opinion matter in the grand scheme of things? But here goes.
I'm booked on a flight on Jan 11th, so if the first strike goes ahead then I'd guess the knock on disruption would mean i'm pretty much stuffed.
From a purely selfish point of view, it's very disappointing. We only get one chance a year to get a holiday, there's no way I can reroute or reschedule, so that's that.
But hey, I'm just one customer. Compared to the cc union members that voted to strike, I'm nothing. I hope you get the deal you're after
, especially as it'll cost me personally.
Just thought I'd post that for you guys to ponder, as there doesn't seem to be too many references to how this will affect the customer on this thread.
I'm just one customer, so what does my opinion matter in the grand scheme of things? But here goes.
I'm booked on a flight on Jan 11th, so if the first strike goes ahead then I'd guess the knock on disruption would mean i'm pretty much stuffed.
From a purely selfish point of view, it's very disappointing. We only get one chance a year to get a holiday, there's no way I can reroute or reschedule, so that's that.
But hey, I'm just one customer. Compared to the cc union members that voted to strike, I'm nothing. I hope you get the deal you're after
, especially as it'll cost me personally.Just thought I'd post that for you guys to ponder, as there doesn't seem to be too many references to how this will affect the customer on this thread.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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I am disappointed in the amount of jubilation that it has gone to a strike.
Repeat after me.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
And glamourgirl, it is not a disgrace that the management let it go this far. It is a disgrace that the cabin crew let it go this far. They are the one who voted, and the only ones that directly influence that process. The company met what the thought were the union demands at every stage, but the crew didn't know what they wanted.
I am very disappointed with this outcome, but I'm pretty sure with only 30% of the crew actively supporting a strike, the company will get through. However, you've kissed goodbye to the 4.8& and alienated the rest of the company. A good result, eh?
Repeat after me.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
There will be no eleventh hour offer.
And glamourgirl, it is not a disgrace that the management let it go this far. It is a disgrace that the cabin crew let it go this far. They are the one who voted, and the only ones that directly influence that process. The company met what the thought were the union demands at every stage, but the crew didn't know what they wanted.
I am very disappointed with this outcome, but I'm pretty sure with only 30% of the crew actively supporting a strike, the company will get through. However, you've kissed goodbye to the 4.8& and alienated the rest of the company. A good result, eh?
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Glamour Girl, that means that you only now have one month left to and you won't have any SBY's for 2-years. How's that for roster stability?
You clearly have no idea about the SBY agreement. It was agreed that 4 blocks in 3 years was the max. That is what you are doing.
Not sure how long you've been as VS but having been here for 19-years and well remember the 4 blocks each month, which caused disruption every month of the year on my roster, I welcome monthly SBY.
The huge problem that VS has is many crew on here don't remember how it used to be and trust me it wasn't as rosey as people make out. It was good and we got on with it, however things have changed for the better over the years.
You clearly are one of those people who didn't operate the old system. Be careful for what you wish for as they may just bring back the old SBY system.
You clearly have no idea about the SBY agreement. It was agreed that 4 blocks in 3 years was the max. That is what you are doing.
Not sure how long you've been as VS but having been here for 19-years and well remember the 4 blocks each month, which caused disruption every month of the year on my roster, I welcome monthly SBY.
The huge problem that VS has is many crew on here don't remember how it used to be and trust me it wasn't as rosey as people make out. It was good and we got on with it, however things have changed for the better over the years.
You clearly are one of those people who didn't operate the old system. Be careful for what you wish for as they may just bring back the old SBY system.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Shanwick Shanwick (aka middle management)
I think you will find its costs a LOT more that £20k to train a pilot. The £20k figure comes straight from the mouth of the trainers at the base. I'm sure its a round about correct figure when you take into account the whole cost of training i.e. cost of running the base etc.
I think you will find its costs a LOT more that £20k to train a pilot. The £20k figure comes straight from the mouth of the trainers at the base. I'm sure its a round about correct figure when you take into account the whole cost of training i.e. cost of running the base etc.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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I agree vs_lhr, one poster in particular seems to be taking great pleasure in this result.
Almost as if the strike itself is the victory they really sought, rather than an acceptable pay offer......
Almost as if the strike itself is the victory they really sought, rather than an acceptable pay offer......
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virgin 89 - I agree the monthly standby system is MUCH better but we should not have to do another month of standby. If VS could hold onto crew they would have enough people to cover the flying program!
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Red eye
Yes there are some crew who worry about these things and vote accordingly. That doesn't mean they should feel intimidated by the company. So, regardless of your thoughts on these individuals they still need to know that they can now take industrial action legally. If they are aware of that then they can make an informed decision. Who do you think starts rumours like "numbers being traced" in the first place? It's definately not the union is it?
I know who I blame
Justanotherpax
Sorry if you incurr any cost and disruption, I genuinely do feel for you and others in your position.
It has now come to a time where the cabin crew need to think about themselves instead of everyone else around them.
This company has had ample time to stop things getting to this stage and have done nothing!!
This shows me and other crew that they genuinely do under value us as a key work force and we have been taken for granted for too long now.
As a passenger you probably didn't feel any less looked after on your journeys, this is because our crew remained professional at all times throughout.We have conducted ourselves with dignity as the company tried to undermine the crews right to vote freely by offering back dated pay and RPI rises to secure a no vote to industrila action.
Our community have remained dignified and signalled to the company that they will not accept this anymore.
It is time that you and other passengers and the public start to look to Virgin Atlantic and Its BILLIONAIRE owners for the answers as to why we are at this stage now and who's fault this is.
It's our turn now.
Yes there are some crew who worry about these things and vote accordingly. That doesn't mean they should feel intimidated by the company. So, regardless of your thoughts on these individuals they still need to know that they can now take industrial action legally. If they are aware of that then they can make an informed decision. Who do you think starts rumours like "numbers being traced" in the first place? It's definately not the union is it?
I know who I blame
Justanotherpax
Sorry if you incurr any cost and disruption, I genuinely do feel for you and others in your position.
It has now come to a time where the cabin crew need to think about themselves instead of everyone else around them.
This company has had ample time to stop things getting to this stage and have done nothing!!
This shows me and other crew that they genuinely do under value us as a key work force and we have been taken for granted for too long now.
As a passenger you probably didn't feel any less looked after on your journeys, this is because our crew remained professional at all times throughout.We have conducted ourselves with dignity as the company tried to undermine the crews right to vote freely by offering back dated pay and RPI rises to secure a no vote to industrila action.
Our community have remained dignified and signalled to the company that they will not accept this anymore.
It is time that you and other passengers and the public start to look to Virgin Atlantic and Its BILLIONAIRE owners for the answers as to why we are at this stage now and who's fault this is.
It's our turn now.
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I dont think anyone starts these rumours. I think it's a lack of understanding of a process. I dont blame anyone except those whose ignorance would lead to them not casting a vote on such an important issue.
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vsfsm
I appreciate your apology, and I take your point about the professionalism of cc. Virgin cabin crew have a unique brand of service which they should be proud of.
But speaking as nothing more than a customer, you do seem to have a 'tub-thumping' approach to your posts which comes across like you're enjoying this a bit too much. Sorry if I'm speaking out of turn here, but I just find it a little unsavoury.
I appreciate your apology, and I take your point about the professionalism of cc. Virgin cabin crew have a unique brand of service which they should be proud of.
But speaking as nothing more than a customer, you do seem to have a 'tub-thumping' approach to your posts which comes across like you're enjoying this a bit too much. Sorry if I'm speaking out of turn here, but I just find it a little unsavoury.
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Justanotherpax- I don't think any crew member wants to disrupt customers flights. We know you have to save to go on holiday and what an upset it would be to have a holiday affected.
Maybe vsfsm is just one of the many crew who are absolutely sick of the lies, spin etc sprouted by management and actually hope they have know realised the crew are really fed up of the pay situation and must sort it out.
Time to invest in the people.
Maybe vsfsm is just one of the many crew who are absolutely sick of the lies, spin etc sprouted by management and actually hope they have know realised the crew are really fed up of the pay situation and must sort it out.
Time to invest in the people.
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back2front - I didn't intend to say that vsfsm, or anyone for that matter, wants to disrupt customer flights. I hope that wasn't how I came across.
I'm just politely airing the sentiments of a typical customer that will be affected by this strike, which hasn't appeared too often on this thread.
If I've offended anyone in doing so then I apologise, it really wasn't my intention.
I'm just politely airing the sentiments of a typical customer that will be affected by this strike, which hasn't appeared too often on this thread.
If I've offended anyone in doing so then I apologise, it really wasn't my intention.
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Justanotherpax
I appreciate the point you make about how I may come across on this thread.
I have to say though, my opinion and the way I voice it on here is very like the oppinion of a vast majority of the crew only i'm not worried about any repercussions that other crew believe there may be for voicing your view too loudly.
So don't take too much exeption to my opinion as you'll find that it's an opinion shared by a lot of crew it's just that you have never heard it before because our crew have remained professional and dignified for longer.
I wont lie, I am happy that my colleagues have taken a stand at this stage but I like all of my colleagues felt they could no longer accept being taken for granted and if the company want to push it to this stage then we must show them that we will not back down.
I appreciate the point you make about how I may come across on this thread.
I have to say though, my opinion and the way I voice it on here is very like the oppinion of a vast majority of the crew only i'm not worried about any repercussions that other crew believe there may be for voicing your view too loudly.
So don't take too much exeption to my opinion as you'll find that it's an opinion shared by a lot of crew it's just that you have never heard it before because our crew have remained professional and dignified for longer.
I wont lie, I am happy that my colleagues have taken a stand at this stage but I like all of my colleagues felt they could no longer accept being taken for granted and if the company want to push it to this stage then we must show them that we will not back down.