Holidaymakers travelling to the US and Caribbean for the summer break can breath a sign of relief – it has been revealed that Virgin Atlantic’s pilots’ will not be striking.
An offer has been secured, according to Union Balpa, and this will be put to pilots in a ballot possibly ending the strike.
Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: ‘Pilots have never wished to inconvenience the travelling public, especially those looking forward to summer holidays.
‘We have therefore lifted the threat of strike action. Virgin Atlantic pilots will proudly continue their role of flying passengers safely to their destinations.’
Virgin Atlantic said tonight: ‘We can confirm that negotiations are now concluded and Balpa will present a pay offer to its members over the coming weeks.
‘The threat of strike action has now been removed and our flying schedule remains completely unaffected.’
The strike threat has been lifted, which will leave the airline and travellers very happy. Balpa asked Richard Branson to get involved in negotiations, however he declined but did offer to speak privately to the pilots, after a high percentage voted for industrial action.
In a letter to the pilots, Sir Richard warned that unless Balpa withdrew its threat of a strike it would leave an ‘indelible scar’ on the airline and ‘impact customers’ trust in us and damage the unique and friendly culture at Virgin Atlantic.’
