VOTE NO
this pay offer is an absolute disgrace bring on the strike!!!

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

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

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....?

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!

hey all....
 

got my roster first roster ewr, iad, lax, las, mia.....can anyone tell me how much allowances (take home) i ll get....thx so much for any help..xxx

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 £10000 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.

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

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?

If you want to join Virgin learn to swim. The swim itself is not very far and longer term it will save anyone having to dive into the hotel pool to rescue you.

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

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!

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! ;)

I'm like a rock....just hit the bottom!

Today Is The Day Crew! That Virgin Atlantic Will Realise Its Crew Are Worth More Then They Are Offering And We Will Be Fighting On The Picket For What We Deserve

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

WOOO HOOO!!! Well done guys!!!! :D

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.

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

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.

Linda Moir
 

I especially like the bit about how they remain open to returning to the negotiating table, even though the last offer was their FULL AND FINAL OFFER!!!!!!!

STAY STRONG

VOTE TO STRIKE

:D:D:D

They'll never let it get that far anyway.

Virgin Cabin Crew Strike?
 

Just been told by a friend in the union that 98% of the Cabin crew have voted for strike action. Dates are being set now by the union!!

Incorrect - 98.2% of crew voted against last pay offer, no ballot for strike action has been issued as of yet.

I hear strikes set for the end of the month.Plans are already in place to disburse passengers.

Joint Statement between Virgin Atlantic & Unite/Amicus
We are pleased to advise that Virgin Atlantic and Unite/Amicus have reached agreement on a pay deal for cabin crew.
Great effort on behalf of both parties has resulted in a deal that should meet cabin crew aspirations whilst remaining affordable for the airline.
The 3-year deal which Unite/Amicus will forward to members along with the consultative ballot papers provides for significant increases to basic and trip pay underpinned by productivity enhancements.
The team involved in the formulation of this deal should be commended for their effort and their constructive approach to the task.
It is clear from this agreement that Virgin Atlantic values the enormous contribution made by its Cabin Crew.
Linda Moir
Director of Inflight Services
Virgin Atlantic Airways
&
Brian Boyd
National Officer
Unite/Amicus

Thank God! I would much rather keep management and customers happy, than go on strike. I look forward to seeing all the details soon.:D

hold your horses " i just want to fly" we dont even know the offer yet.
and surely its managers who should be keeping the crew happy not vice versa?

i know, i know... but still i would much rather all involved come to an amicable solution, than go on strike. i would hope that the union would not agree to put something to us again, if they didnt feel it was acceptable.


who knows....? if we all reject this offer, then a strike may still be an option. only time will tell.

I'm so confused!

Someone text me today saying this

"Ignore IFly, we have NOT agreed the proposed 4.8% RPI. We all need to ring the union and tell them we are not accepting less than 10%. DO NOT give in now. BE STRONG. Fwd on".

Now, am I missing something? Where has the figure of 4.8% come from? Is that the latest figure the management have come up with?

I'm a bit annoyed with the union for announcing that they have reached a deal with Virgin without telling us what the deal is! I think that really sucks!

As someone else said, this is NOT over yet. We still have to vote on whatever this latest offer is!

:ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh: :ugh:

Does anyone know wot the offer is yet? I cant seem to acces amicus's web site?

You don't have to accept the offer - the deal hasn't been "done" at all. All that's happened is that the union believes that it's got a deal that's as good and fair as it thinks you're going to get. And it's recommending to its members that you accept it at ballot. Whether you do or not is up to you. One thing to be aware of is that if the vote is "no" to this one, then that sets you against your union and you're entering very dangerous territory. If you vote "no" to a union-endorsed deal the company will work on the basis that the union doesn't have the support of its members and things will get very messy very quickly. It's not the same as you just saying no and sending the union back to the table, they're saying that they think this is as good as it gets.
People sending stupid texts around like that are not helping the situation at all, it's confusing and divisive. People should wait and see what the offer is and then discuss it. Rumour and tittle tattle will only inflame what is already, very rightly, an emotive matter. And not to mention - the rumours are usually total crap, after all - we all know how accurate Galley FM is at the best of times!! Come on!! And one more thing - people who are planning on voting no until 10% is on the table are living in a dreamworld. No one's going to get that - office staff, pilots or crew. We'll all be fascinated to see what's been worked out this time and hopefully it'll be a fair deal. If not - then it's back the the drawing board! But do listen to what the union has to say - they are experts at this. Fingers crossed........

Nothing on "My Amicus" yet.

Don't disagree at all - and for what it's worth, the flight crew in Virgin are right behind the cabin crew in their search for better pay and conditions. The amount Virgin pays its crew has been well below par for years and it's about time that something was done. And you're right - if the membership vote no then yes, the union has to represent the members wishes. But what I was driving at was the message that that sends to the management. The union agrees a deal with the company and recommends it to its members. Members then vote no to it, that will show the company that the union is effectively in conflict with the membership and can then try and drive a wedge between you. The only way this works is if everyone a) sticks together and b) takes due consideration of what the union tells you all. If you're really after 10% and no less, then there's going to be a strike because it's not going to happen. The union will eventually peel away, because while yes, they have to represent the members interests, they don't have to and will not fight a hopeless battle.
I really hope the deal that's on the table is OK, because this needs a resolution. If it's as derisory as the first ones then by all means reject it. But let's see what's on offer! And flight crew negotiations are irrelevant, that's not comparing apples with apples. Different jobs, different existing packages, and different needs and plans for the future. I know that the general feeling is among them for what they're going to ask for and 10% or any other large rise isn't going to be it.

Good luck!!

well if theres any more monthly standby in there i'm voting NO regardless of what the money is.... personally i think our lifestyle is more important than what might amount to £50 (at best) here and there... monthly standby is CRAP! i dont think anyone likes it?? i didnt vote for it when it was 4 in 3 years so i'm certainly not voting for any more than that!

How about just waiting for the formal communication and make your decision based on facts rather than hearsay??? Nearly all of "what I heard" on bloody Galley FM is total rubbish, so you can't believe rumour. And try look at the deal as a whole - not just the negative aspects. As I said before - if the deal doesn't give you a fair crack then vote no. But at least read the whole thing before making up your mind and whipping up feeling. :rolleyes:

I shall certainly be voting NO if more standby is introduced. As a mother of 2 I simply cant take on anymore standbys. The fear of being called out for a HKG SYD is too great! On my last block I organised and paid for childcare but didnt get used for 2 blocks (childcare is non refundable), when I did get used it was for a BOM followed by a BOM, I was actually OUT of pocket that month!:ugh:

Part timers never used to have SBY so this has been a huge wake up call and a total mare. If more are introduced then its time to rethink my career after 13 years.....and Virgin have lost yet another Manager

More compromise....
 

....than I think we should be accepting.

I will be voting NO.

I'll be voting NO...
 

Basically means they really don't give a rats arse about our hard work.

We will pay them no more (due to inflation the raise is effectively cancelled out) and we will work them harder (remove a crew member) plus take away any incentive to earn the company extra money (remove airshare).

Are they on drugs?

Vote NO...

Training info
 

Please can anyone answer my Q'S? How much money will I get when I'm training? Anyone just recently finished training I guess will know? Also as I'm wanting to get away back home after training on a friday, what time do you usually finish? 5, 5.30???

It's also interesting reading all these debates on the pay. I hope by the time I sart training at the end of september that I may be getting some extra cash?? Good luck and keep fighting. After all they need you guys. They are continually recruiting.

Thanks:)

Hi all

Am trying to get in touch with someone who works for Virgin Atlantic and wondered if crew have email addresses ?

Hi Steviesky and Flyer55

I can answer both your questions

1. Training
You will get paid for your training it will be your basic and depending when you start you will be paid from that date until the end of the month. Pay day is 20 of every month but u will be able to view your pay a couple of days beforhand.
In regards to when you finish it really depends on what subject you are doing, generally you will finish around 5.30ish or 6 regardless of the day of the weekbut it really depends on how much content they have to cover for that day.

2. Flyer 55 Yes we do have individual email addresses, but unfortunatley i don't have the right to give out email addresses of crew. If you are VS Crew then you will know how to contact them sorry:uhoh: