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Richard Branson urges Virgin pilots to call off strike

Pilots union threaten to announce strike dates from tomorrow
In an open letter to Virgin Atlantic pilots, founder Richard Branson has made a last-ditch effort to avert an impending strike over the peak summer holiday period that could even effect flights departing from Dubai and major connections to the United States.

The pilots' union Balpa has said that it will announce strike dates from tomorrow unless a dispute over pay is resolved, which arose over a protest at a four per cent pay rise following a number of pay freezes.

After Balpa's request for Branson to get personally involved, the founder posted the open letter on his blog stating he was "extremely sad to see threats of strike action", and that the airline is "already losing business from this and is in danger of losing money again this year if the uncertainty of those travelling lasts much longer.

"Just look at what happened at BA over the last few years."

Speaking about the offer that has been presented to the pilots, Branson added that he believed it was "fair".

He added: "The balancing act our Chief Operating Officer and board have is that if we go further for one sector of the workforce, especially in these difficult times for everybody, we have to do the same for all sectors.

"And from looking at the figures it will mean asking the public to pay higher fares and in this difficult economic climate, we simply cannot do that at this time."

The founder also admitted that he has taken no salary out of Virgin Atlantic since 2005. He clarified: "Since Singapore Airlines bought into the company 10 years ago both of us have invested more money into the airline than we've taken out to deal with crises like 9/11 and to fund vital products and service innovation."

The 27-year-old Virgin Atlantic hasn't been spared during the tough economic climate that has crippled the global aviation industry since 2008, with the economic recession, followed by natural disasters with the ash cloud disruptions, record snowfalls and Japan's earthquake.

Branson also stated that adding to the burden for the airline and its customers are rising APD taxes, sky-high fuel prices, a weak pound, increased competition on most routes and uncertain consumer confidence.

"Unless BALPA withdraw 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," stressed, adding: "It will affect jobs and it will make it very difficult for the company to afford the current offer on the table."

It waits to be seen if BALPA reps agree to meet Virgin Atlantic Chief Operating Officer, Steve Griffiths, till then the future travel plans of passengers during the summer season hangs in the balance.

© Emirates 24|7 2011