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Virgin pilots vote for strike action

22nd June 2011 For the first time in their history pilots in Virgin Atlantic have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over pay. 97% voted for strike action in a ballot that saw a massive 94% turnout.

BALPA General Secretary, Jim McAuslan : The size of the poll and the huge majority for action should send a clear message to Sir Richard Branson. Pilots do not want to strike and are hugely disappointed by the company’s approach. There has been no UK pilot strike for 32 years.

No dates have yet been set for action but it is thought that the pilots could follow the example of British Airways cabin crew who took action in blocks of up to five days with one or two days in between, leaving barely enough time to reposition aircraft.

BALPA represents about 640 of Virgin Atlantic’s 750 pilots, and such a strategy would cause maximum disruption. Virgin flies solely long-haul routes and could be forced to cancel flights in advance of strikes to avoid having aircraft stranded.

Virgin Atlantic pilots have never taken strike action before and in the UK pilots haven’t taken industrial action since 1972.

Further Information:
BALPA
Travel Weekly

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