Virgin Atlantic and Unite the union have agreed a resolution to the current dispute over pay. Unite has now called off the industrial action planned for 9, 10, 16 and 17 January 2008.
Both parties agreed that the prolonged discussions had been potentially damaging to the current relationship between the company, its cabin crew and the union.

The agreement includes a two-year deal with a 4.8% increase in year one and

a guarantee of RPI in year two. In addition to the increases to crew trip

pay, there is a commitment to review its calculation as of April 2009.

 

The deal also allows for previously-agreed increases to other variable

elements of cabin crew pay and a commitment by both parties to review the

current consultative structure.

 

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

 

    “We are pleased that both sides have managed to avert strike action

    that was planned for this week and next. The outcome is a triumph of

    common sense and means that our passengers need not worry about

    getting to their destinations.

 

    “Our cabin crew are the best flying and continue to provide the

    highest standards of customer service. This agreement will enable us

    to focus on continuing to offer the best service to our customers.”

 

Brian Boyd, National Officer, Unite, added:

 

    “This agreement recognises the important contribution cabin crew

    make to the business and I am of the firm opinion that we now have

    the opportunity to ensure an improved relationship with Virgin

    Atlantic in the future.”
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