The Virgin Strike Thread (Merged)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NW
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Virgin Strike Thread (Merged)
Thought some of of you might be interested in this topic ( Not just Virgin crew )
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...o_Florida.html
Take a look at pages 8 onwards especially.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...o_Florida.html
Take a look at pages 8 onwards especially.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NW
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This was the post that was removed
Actually I have experienced the fantastic training on aircraft.
Last time we went to Florida My 3 year old choked on a sweet. Not one of the cabin crew knew what to do. It was me that dislodged it and saved her life.(without any formal training). Although I will say they were very good at cleaning up the aftermath when she vomited everywhere afterwards. Not once after that did they even bother to check on her.
On the same flight we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour in a heatwave. With no aircon. My 18 month daughter got hysterical and started suffering from heat exhaustion. The cabin crew, however just came over and simply told me to put her lap belt on otherwise we would delay the flight further. (At this point we were still at the gate!). Not an offer of a drink for her or anything. She was purple by the time we took off. After landing we realised that she had had a febrile convulsion. What caring crew!
On another flight we had to make an emergency landing. One of the highly trained cabin crew cried the whole way down, very reassuring for passengers
Cabin crew have 6 weeks training which just gives them enough time to touch on each topic, not explore them in depth.
You should be ashamed of yourself to think that you are anywhere on par with firefighters or nurses.
As for 9/11, that was an isolated incident. Lets remember that 1000's of emergency crew lost their lives when they bravely chose to go into buidings which were highly unstable. If the cabin crew had a way out, they would have walked without thinking twice. The firefighters however did not.
I have many friends who were/are cabin crew and they don't do it for the money. they do it for the social life, the travel and the discounted flights.
Actually I have experienced the fantastic training on aircraft.
Last time we went to Florida My 3 year old choked on a sweet. Not one of the cabin crew knew what to do. It was me that dislodged it and saved her life.(without any formal training). Although I will say they were very good at cleaning up the aftermath when she vomited everywhere afterwards. Not once after that did they even bother to check on her.
On the same flight we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour in a heatwave. With no aircon. My 18 month daughter got hysterical and started suffering from heat exhaustion. The cabin crew, however just came over and simply told me to put her lap belt on otherwise we would delay the flight further. (At this point we were still at the gate!). Not an offer of a drink for her or anything. She was purple by the time we took off. After landing we realised that she had had a febrile convulsion. What caring crew!
On another flight we had to make an emergency landing. One of the highly trained cabin crew cried the whole way down, very reassuring for passengers
Cabin crew have 6 weeks training which just gives them enough time to touch on each topic, not explore them in depth.
You should be ashamed of yourself to think that you are anywhere on par with firefighters or nurses.
As for 9/11, that was an isolated incident. Lets remember that 1000's of emergency crew lost their lives when they bravely chose to go into buidings which were highly unstable. If the cabin crew had a way out, they would have walked without thinking twice. The firefighters however did not.
I have many friends who were/are cabin crew and they don't do it for the money. they do it for the social life, the travel and the discounted flights.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hats off to AV8babe on there, obviously argued a case professionally vs the other poster/s that kept having their post removed, lol .
I see virgin won lots of awards yesterday too, wonder if the headlines for those will be tied up with crew about to ballot for industrial action too.
I see virgin won lots of awards yesterday too, wonder if the headlines for those will be tied up with crew about to ballot for industrial action too.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: england
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
be strong crew
Listen i have been with virgin for more than 10 years, and i love my job, but enough, is enough, i am fed up of getting paid in parties, discounts on other virgin companies, flight concessions that cant use cause i have no money etc, if virgin thinks they can get away with for ever , well sorry, but time has now come, we have come this far and we must stick together, the campaign now to get us all divided must not work! do you seriously think virgin will go down because of a stike???? i mean how many airlines ( incl. BA) have had strikes and nothing happened! if they didnt go down few years ago when they managed to pay pilots 30% !!!!!!!! more, and that probaly represents much more than giving us a 10% rise!!
So gro up people, be strong, stick to ur guns, i youll see how quickly the money comes up from under rock! ( actually, some fiscal parasise in the caribbean)!!!!!
So gro up people, be strong, stick to ur guns, i youll see how quickly the money comes up from under rock! ( actually, some fiscal parasise in the caribbean)!!!!!
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: london
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually I have experienced the fantastic training on aircraft.
Last time we went to Florida My 3 year old choked on a sweet. Not one of the cabin crew knew what to do. It was me that dislodged it and saved her life.(without any formal training). Although I will say they were very good at cleaning up the aftermath when she vomited everywhere afterwards. Not once after that did they even bother to check on her.
On the same flight we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour in a heatwave. With no aircon. My 18 month daughter got hysterical and started suffering from heat exhaustion. The cabin crew, however just came over and simply told me to put her lap belt on otherwise we would delay the flight further. (At this point we were still at the gate!). Not an offer of a drink for her or anything. She was purple by the time we took off. After landing we realised that she had had a febrile convulsion. What caring crew!
On another flight we had to make an emergency landing. One of the highly trained cabin crew cried the whole way down, very reassuring for passengers
Cabin crew have 6 weeks training which just gives them enough time to touch on each topic, not explore them in depth.
You should be ashamed of yourself to think that you are anywhere on par with firefighters or nurses.
As for 9/11, that was an isolated incident. Lets remember that 1000's of emergency crew lost their lives when they bravely chose to go into buidings which were highly unstable. If the cabin crew had a way out, they would have walked without thinking twice. The firefighters however did not.
I have many friends who were/are cabin crew and they don't do it for the money. they do it for the social life, the travel and the discounted flights.
All this from one passenger? Ummmmmmm very unfortuante and very unlikely.
Last time we went to Florida My 3 year old choked on a sweet. Not one of the cabin crew knew what to do. It was me that dislodged it and saved her life.(without any formal training). Although I will say they were very good at cleaning up the aftermath when she vomited everywhere afterwards. Not once after that did they even bother to check on her.
On the same flight we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour in a heatwave. With no aircon. My 18 month daughter got hysterical and started suffering from heat exhaustion. The cabin crew, however just came over and simply told me to put her lap belt on otherwise we would delay the flight further. (At this point we were still at the gate!). Not an offer of a drink for her or anything. She was purple by the time we took off. After landing we realised that she had had a febrile convulsion. What caring crew!
On another flight we had to make an emergency landing. One of the highly trained cabin crew cried the whole way down, very reassuring for passengers
Cabin crew have 6 weeks training which just gives them enough time to touch on each topic, not explore them in depth.
You should be ashamed of yourself to think that you are anywhere on par with firefighters or nurses.
As for 9/11, that was an isolated incident. Lets remember that 1000's of emergency crew lost their lives when they bravely chose to go into buidings which were highly unstable. If the cabin crew had a way out, they would have walked without thinking twice. The firefighters however did not.
I have many friends who were/are cabin crew and they don't do it for the money. they do it for the social life, the travel and the discounted flights.
All this from one passenger? Ummmmmmm very unfortuante and very unlikely.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Crawley
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Strike1
You are missing a major point - the company is not trying to divide us. The fact is that the crew are divided - you only have to look at the overall number of crew who said no to the last deal in relation to the total number of crew emplyed by the company - its a minority. The company adhered to the demands of the union. They gave what they were asked for.
If you believe that BA did not suffer damaging effects from their numerous strikes, the you are very misguided. They also have the stronger brand, resources and pots more money in the bank to weather difficulties like that. A recent compensation case based on flights cancelled by strike is likely to cost BA millions. They can afford it. VAA cannot and to promote the myth that we can is foolish.
You are missing a major point - the company is not trying to divide us. The fact is that the crew are divided - you only have to look at the overall number of crew who said no to the last deal in relation to the total number of crew emplyed by the company - its a minority. The company adhered to the demands of the union. They gave what they were asked for.
If you believe that BA did not suffer damaging effects from their numerous strikes, the you are very misguided. They also have the stronger brand, resources and pots more money in the bank to weather difficulties like that. A recent compensation case based on flights cancelled by strike is likely to cost BA millions. They can afford it. VAA cannot and to promote the myth that we can is foolish.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: crawley
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You may well have seen the communication on I-Fly stating that they have not heard from the union regarding the Industrial ballot. I asked Mr Boyd about this and the Ifly memo and why we have not received our ballot forms yet, his response (I wont cut and paste it but was worded in the following fashion)
Thanks for your email I will forward your question to MR SMITH (name changed) who is the officer responsible for VA. In order to conduct an "Industrial Action Ballot" the membership details for all our members has to be confirmed, VA are aware of this he went on to suggest that the memo that has been issued on I-fly is likely to be an attempt to disenfranchise the cabin crew from the efforts the union is making on our behalf
VCCM
Thanks for your email I will forward your question to MR SMITH (name changed) who is the officer responsible for VA. In order to conduct an "Industrial Action Ballot" the membership details for all our members has to be confirmed, VA are aware of this he went on to suggest that the memo that has been issued on I-fly is likely to be an attempt to disenfranchise the cabin crew from the efforts the union is making on our behalf
VCCM
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Up North
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's all gone quiet.....
I don't often post on here and have kept well out of this argument so far. I have my own thoughts and feelings on the subject and don't want to get dragged down with all the politics. But has anyone else found that it all seems to have gone a bit quiet on board? I.e, apart from the day when the news came out about the deal being rejected, in my experience no one seems to be discussing it? At least in galley 4 anyway! To be honest, from the chat you wouldn't know anything was going on!
Is this because the crew are beyond caring? What do you think?
Is this because the crew are beyond caring? What do you think?
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: up north
Age: 48
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can confirm boyds email in sorts as amicus contacted me last week to confirm my details, so at least something he has said is true !!!! And i certainly dont think the crew are beyond caring. Yes it has gone on for ages but i know that i aint talking about it onboard as the passengers dont need to hear it!!!! We all care about the company, just want a decent deal.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Issued recently fromt he union
Dear Colleague,
Re Industrial Update
Following on from my recent letter, I thought it would be helpful to update you on the process that will follow as we move towards the ballot for industrial action.
The process of conducting such a ballot requires a thorough check on our membership details which has now been completed. Our legal department are now also conducting a crosscheck on this information before any formal correspondence is sent to Virgin Atlantic advising them of the next step in this process.
We thought it was important, however, to remind you that your representatives are currently operating to their flying roster during this dispute with the company. Representational issues involving disciplinary and grievance procedures are, however, continuing and will be supported on your behalf by your reps.
As you are also no doubt aware, there are several outstanding issues, other than pay, still being dealt with through the grievance procedure, two of which are;
Late Payment of Allowances
The uplift in the subsistence allowances that you recently received in 2007 was in fact monies owed from 2006! – 2007 monies are still owed and have yet to be submitted to the Inland Revenue for approval, thus the delay in receiving the correct monies is still ongoing!!
Part Time Crew
Part time crew may be working too many days in relation to their contracts and therefore not receiving the correct payments. This issue should have been reviewed in August 2007 and as a result leaves the policy open to possible challenge if an agreement is not achieved.
Other Issues
Hotel moves out of Manhattan(VS017/001) into New Brunswick, not to mention the 5 hour wait for crew rooms on the Friday ANU!, issues over car park passes, promotion, missing variable payments, 900 hour roster equitability, Crew Down and so the list goes on!
It is vital therefore that as members you engage and support your representatives on all of the issues that continue to have an effect on your terms and conditions at Virgin Atlantic.
We do, however, need this support, not only in relation to delivering a pay award that is acceptable, but also in increasing our strength and standing within Virgin Atlantic, that will allow us to resolve these and other industrial issues on your behalf.
Your continued support is vital.
Yours sincerely
Dear Colleague,
Re Industrial Update
Following on from my recent letter, I thought it would be helpful to update you on the process that will follow as we move towards the ballot for industrial action.
The process of conducting such a ballot requires a thorough check on our membership details which has now been completed. Our legal department are now also conducting a crosscheck on this information before any formal correspondence is sent to Virgin Atlantic advising them of the next step in this process.
We thought it was important, however, to remind you that your representatives are currently operating to their flying roster during this dispute with the company. Representational issues involving disciplinary and grievance procedures are, however, continuing and will be supported on your behalf by your reps.
As you are also no doubt aware, there are several outstanding issues, other than pay, still being dealt with through the grievance procedure, two of which are;
Late Payment of Allowances
The uplift in the subsistence allowances that you recently received in 2007 was in fact monies owed from 2006! – 2007 monies are still owed and have yet to be submitted to the Inland Revenue for approval, thus the delay in receiving the correct monies is still ongoing!!
Part Time Crew
Part time crew may be working too many days in relation to their contracts and therefore not receiving the correct payments. This issue should have been reviewed in August 2007 and as a result leaves the policy open to possible challenge if an agreement is not achieved.
Other Issues
Hotel moves out of Manhattan(VS017/001) into New Brunswick, not to mention the 5 hour wait for crew rooms on the Friday ANU!, issues over car park passes, promotion, missing variable payments, 900 hour roster equitability, Crew Down and so the list goes on!
It is vital therefore that as members you engage and support your representatives on all of the issues that continue to have an effect on your terms and conditions at Virgin Atlantic.
We do, however, need this support, not only in relation to delivering a pay award that is acceptable, but also in increasing our strength and standing within Virgin Atlantic, that will allow us to resolve these and other industrial issues on your behalf.
Your continued support is vital.
Yours sincerely
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Strike Vote Ballot Going out on the 3rd December Result 20th December Linda Manure throwing toys out the cot on Ifly saying no further talks and no 11th hour deal will come.
Now everyone vote this time please and lets get what we are due.
Now everyone vote this time please and lets get what we are due.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From cc.com
I was trying to find out what these dates mean in terms of when the Industrial action would be if it happened, I found this link, workers rights regarding Industrial action and the rules that must be followed.
http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/employment-guidance/page18476.html
It contains lots of stuff about how you can't be discriminated against etc etc but in terms of timings I found this;
The union's first call for industrial action to which the ballot relates must be made before the end of the period of four weeks beginning with the date of the ballot or such longer period not exceeding eight weeks as the union and employer may agree. Industrial action to which the ballot relates must also first take place within that period.
If interpret that correctly it means that the ballot will be for dates within 4 weeks of the 3rd of December i.e. over Xmas/NY period !?
Though I may be incorrect, though it would make sense why the union have held off on the ballot as the action has to be within 4 weeks of the date of ballot so they could cover Christmas and New Year !
lots of other useful information on that site, worth a read and to know your rights as a member (rather than what the employer will tell you what your rights are).
http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/employment-guidance/page18476.html
It contains lots of stuff about how you can't be discriminated against etc etc but in terms of timings I found this;
The union's first call for industrial action to which the ballot relates must be made before the end of the period of four weeks beginning with the date of the ballot or such longer period not exceeding eight weeks as the union and employer may agree. Industrial action to which the ballot relates must also first take place within that period.
If interpret that correctly it means that the ballot will be for dates within 4 weeks of the 3rd of December i.e. over Xmas/NY period !?
Though I may be incorrect, though it would make sense why the union have held off on the ballot as the action has to be within 4 weeks of the date of ballot so they could cover Christmas and New Year !
lots of other useful information on that site, worth a read and to know your rights as a member (rather than what the employer will tell you what your rights are).
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Strike dates
The industrial action regulations (to my understanding) are that the first day of action must take place within 4 weeks of the LAST day of the ballot and the union should give 7 days' notice of the the first day of action.
So, a maximum of 3 weeks after the ballot before the union has to notify its intention to take industrial action, for negotiations to continue. If the union wants to and the company lets it!
So, a maximum of 3 weeks after the ballot before the union has to notify its intention to take industrial action, for negotiations to continue. If the union wants to and the company lets it!
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Crawley
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My thoughts exactly Capt.
I believe that there will be no more talks as there are legal requirements and constraints which now have to be met.
I also believe that LM was simply restating that there will not be a higher offer made to counter the threat of strike. Many still falsely believe that the company will be held to ransom and offer more to avert strike action. It is not going to happen.
Hardly throwing the toys out of the pram. At least VAA and Linda have the common courtesy to keep staff up to date. The same cannot be said for the Union (who it seems cannot even achieve the simple administrative task of keeping their members details up to date).
I believe that there will be no more talks as there are legal requirements and constraints which now have to be met.
I also believe that LM was simply restating that there will not be a higher offer made to counter the threat of strike. Many still falsely believe that the company will be held to ransom and offer more to avert strike action. It is not going to happen.
Hardly throwing the toys out of the pram. At least VAA and Linda have the common courtesy to keep staff up to date. The same cannot be said for the Union (who it seems cannot even achieve the simple administrative task of keeping their members details up to date).
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Somewhere high up
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Exercise your democratic right to make a choice of your own.
I will be voting YES to strike. Its about time things changed at Virgin Atlantic. They've been taking the p**** out of crew for too long and nothing has been said. We can now vote to get things changed.
Low trip pay, allowances not being paid correctly, crew down too often and not paid enough for working crew down, changes of hotel without union consultation, not being informed of delays so stuck at airport in UK or overseas even though company know there are delays, no formula for crew rest breaks on board, no long range pay and on and on and on.
Vote YES to strike
I will be voting YES to strike. Its about time things changed at Virgin Atlantic. They've been taking the p**** out of crew for too long and nothing has been said. We can now vote to get things changed.
Low trip pay, allowances not being paid correctly, crew down too often and not paid enough for working crew down, changes of hotel without union consultation, not being informed of delays so stuck at airport in UK or overseas even though company know there are delays, no formula for crew rest breaks on board, no long range pay and on and on and on.
Vote YES to strike
Last edited by back2front; 28th Nov 2007 at 16:48.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
strikertworedshoes - you do get paid for dayas off, and you will lose money for every day that you are on strike. If you earn £900 per month, and there are 30 days in the month that works out to £30 per day. If you go on strike for 5 days, of which 3 days are rostered as a trip and 2 days rostered as days off, you will lose £150 of wages, not £90.
