Branson warns Virgin pilots over strike plans
28.06.11
A strike by pilots at Virgin Atlantic will leave ‘an indelible scar on the company’, its founder and major shareholder, Sir Richard Branson, has said. The pilots' union BALPA is expected to announce dates for industrial action tomorrow, in a dispute over pay. In a letter to the pilots, Sir Richard said he was ‘extremely sad’ about the threat of strikes, and that he would be happy to meet them for private talks to answer questions about the airline's future.
BALPA says a 4% pay rise offered to pilots is not enough after two years of pay freezes. The airline says that the 4% offer is twice the national average, and in addition to a share of company profits, which it describes as ‘industry leading despite a very challenging economic backdrop’.
Sir Richard said: ‘I have looked at the details of your offer and believe it is fair. From the company's point of view, possibly a little too fair. It is one of the best in the industry, along with many other commitments that offer real value to you.’
He added: ‘Unless BALPA withdraws its threat very soon, it will leave an indelible scar on the company, impact customers' trust in us and damage the unique and friendly culture at Virgin Atlantic. It will affect jobs and it will make it very difficult for the company to afford the current offer on the table.’
‘I was obviously extremely sad to see threats of strike action in the press as these negative comments will have already damaged the reputation of our airline and the trust our customers place in us - which we rely on so heavily. They have also played into the hands of our larger rivals.’
Your union asked me to get involved and I've looked at all the facts and believe that our management have made the best offer it can. Our chief operating officer, Steve Griffiths, is ready to meet with BLAPA and your committee again and I appeal to you to insist that they do so as soon as possible.'
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