Virgin Atlantic strike CALLED OFF!

Originally posted by miopyk
I couldn't imagine him ever having a bad flight in the position he is in can you. That would really be a problem if the boss was treated badly.

Trust me you would be very surprised.....

All Virgin Atlantic flights will operate as scheduled on all of these dates with the exception of those that were originally cancelled. For more information please visit our website.

This looks like the cancelled flights are staying cancelled... Therefore there is not much difference whether there is a strike or not (other than the risk of further cancellations I guess). Weird.

I guess it is because the majority of pax scheduled to be on these flights have already been rebooked...

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler

Originally posted by vscss
Message from Richard

Dear Cabin Crew,

.....

I personally had one of my best flights ever on my way to Johannesburg last Saturday.

See you soon,

Kind regards,
Richard (Branson)

Funny that! I'll be surprised if there was any of the attitudes or behaviour so often reported on here.

If it can be done when SRB is on board, why not for the every other flight?

Presumably Lady B was flying her shopping home in the private jet ...

Originally posted by oxmatt
I guess it is because the majority of pax scheduled to be on these flights have already been rebooked...

Not only that, but no flight deck crew will have been rostered for the cancelled trips either.

Mike

Originally posted by RichardMannion
Classic!

I'm in awe of this VSwap thing. I could imagine the response I would get if I wanted to swap workloads with my colleagues because:

- It interfered with my personal life
- I didn't like doing that particular job

If I'm given something to do by my employer, I do it. What makes me laugh is that some of the people asking desperately to swap are barely into the role as crew. Maybe a change so no swapping is allowed, or x nubmer of swaps per year at max. At the moment it seems a bit of a free-for-all, especially when combined in with the 'absenteeism' issue that is particularly rife.

I agreed with you Richard, until I read this:

Originally posted by Denzil
With reference to the LAS/MCO discussion, just spoken to Mrs D & apparently a lot of it is down to (you guessed it) money. As mentioned these flights can be hard work (stag/hen parties to LAS!!) & the allowances when you get there aren't that great, more money can be had doing an LAX or SFO. From the type passenger of passenger perspective she says that these flights can be great as the holiday mood is often very evident & other flights can be much, much worse.

Oh, in answer to Richards comments about standbys. It's more of an issue for those CC with children & the part time crew. Extra costs for child care & then not being called out can put people out of pocket. Until the new standby system started part time crew didn't do standby as it was proved not to work. I guess this will be something discussed in the future.

Which I think changes the view a bit : In this case it seems that the work you do affects the bottom line i.e. your effective salary. It's a bit different to the work that I do where I get paid the same amount regardless of the particular work I do on a particular day.

Considering the base amount of salary (£10,185) offered by VS, the difference between routes could be quite significant as a proportion of a crew members salary. I can see why crew don't want to do routes which mean they're out of pocket!!

Thanks,

David.

MESSAGE FROM BRIAN BOYD

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to inform you that as a result of further discussions with Virgin Atlantic, Unite has taken the decision to accept an amended offer by the company. This means that the Industrial Action planned for 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th January 2008 is to be cancelled.

The enclosed document sets out the detail of the agreement. In support of the decision by Unite to accept the amended offer, I will outline the principle reasons in making our decision, which are as follows:-

¥ As you are aware, the increases for Year 2 of the deal were calculated on an assumption of RPI being 3.5%. Having now taken the opportunity to revisit this figure, RPI currently sits at 4.3%. If this figure remains until March 2008, it will mean that coupled with the 4.8% achieved in Year 1, basic salaries could see an overall increase in excess of 9% from 1st April 2008. I will once again state that this is the highest basic increase negotiated for Cabin Crew in the UK.

¥ The commitment to restructure Trip Pay with an implementation date of 1st April 2009 is seen as the most appropriate way in which to recognise reward for flight duty periods. All Unite members will be given the opportunity to decide on the new structure, with the outcomes being published in December 2008.

¥ The subject of Crew Down Payments was explored, with the details of the new proposals being included in the attached document. I believe there is now scope to improve the level of Crew Down during the forthcoming period.

¥ The principle of reviewing the consultative structure, with the sincere intention of improving the employer/employee relationship, was one of the most important items discussed. The inability to resolve employment related matters has been a major source of discontent with Unite members. However, the timescale agreed between Unite and VAA for the review to take place demonstrates the commitment by the parties to make the necessary changes.

In addition to the above, I was also acutely aware of the difficulties Unite members faced while participating in the proposed Industrial Action. A number of factors were considered including the complexity of the Cabin Crew Roster, the legal advice relating to Crew Down Route and the genuine belief that Unite was not prepared to see what would have been a minority of our good members severely disadvantaged by their participation in the action.

The actions of Unite in reaching agreement with the company may be unpopular, but given the developing situation, I believe that it was the correct way in which to resolve the current impasse. I am sure that the majority of our 3,500 members will understand and agree with the decision.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Unite Regional Officer, Dave Kelly, and every one of your Workforce Reps for their dedication and commitment throughout this process. This agreement offers all Unite members the opportunity to build on what we have achieved so far. Please make sure you continue to support Unite.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Boyd
National Officer

Strike cancelled, the damage is done...next[V]

Flights are still cancelled

Customers have made other travel arrangments

All because the crew have accepted the original offer[V]

[Darren Wheeler]

Originally posted by vscss
MESSAGE FROM BRIAN BOYD


The actions of Unite in reaching agreement with the company may be unpopular, but given the developing situation, I believe that it was the correct way in which to resolve the current impasse.

Anyone want to chance a guess what that really means?

Read to me like 'Virgin have said carry on and have your strike, we have more than enough staff to provide near-normal operations'

SRB receives perfect flight shocker. Next up, Queen surprised at constant smell of wet paint.

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler

Originally posted by vscss
MESSAGE FROM BRIAN BOYD


The actions of Unite in reaching agreement with the company may be unpopular, but given the developing situation, I believe that it was the correct way in which to resolve the current impasse.

Anyone want to chance a guess what that really means?

Read to me like 'Virgin have said carry on and have your strike, we have more than enough staff to provide near-normal operations'

Err may be not Darren, what it may mean is lots of crew wanted to strike but the union said hey, this is a good deal, take it or you won't get anything - as the union said before the strike ballot. I certainly see that extensive discussion were taking place between VS and Unite even though Virgin management said no way, no talk, no back down ...

I've said it before, but knee jerk anti-unionism may not actually present the real picture of what went on.

Sorry Scrooge, i'll get my coat[B)]!!!

Originally posted by vscss
MESSAGE FROM BRIAN BOYD

In addition to the above, I was also acutely aware of the difficulties Unite members faced while participating in the proposed Industrial Action. A number of factors were considered including the complexity of the Cabin Crew Roster, the legal advice relating to Crew Down Route and the genuine belief that Unite was not prepared to see what would have been a minority of our good members severely disadvantaged by their participation in the action.

I'm reading this as the strike wasn't going to see much support and for those that would have participated, the consequences would have meant closing the door behind them as they left.

I think a lot of crew will be wondering if Unite is providing value for money.

Miopyk[8D]