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13 November, 2023

TWU secretary says Virgin staff are exhausted as industrial action looms

Edited by Travel Weekly

Virgin Australia passengers may suffer widespread disruptions as cabin crew and ground workers near strike actions amidst claims of ‘poverty pay’ and ‘unsustainable’ conditions.’

Virgin cabin crew members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) are set to apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), today, for a protected action ballot which would enable them to vote on taking industrial actions over claims of “poverty pay, job insecurity and unsafe conditions.”

A media release from the TWU said staff are fatigued by the ongoing pay disputes.

“A poor rostering system, unrealistic turnaround times, and high staff turnover have led to crew missing breaks, while successive pay freezes and cuts have caused many to seek second or third jobs to pay the bills,” it said.

The national secretary of the TWU, Michael Kaine, said, “Virgin workers above and below the wing have remained loyal, worked hard to rebuild the airline and seen it back into profit.”

“Owners Bain Capital have not held up their end of the bargain to correct rock-bottom pay, improve work-life balance, and fix unsafe rostering.

“Pay and conditions are inextricably linked to aviation workers’ ability to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Protected industrial action is always a last resort, but our members know there are no second chances at 30,000 feet.

“Our cabin crew, ground crew and pilot members have all reported fears of mistakes being made due to their unsustainable working conditions, made worse by high turnover, fatigue-related absenteeism, and juggling second or third jobs.

“Workers are utterly exhausted, with several cabin crew members reporting near-misses on their drive home from long shifts.

“We need to see a considerable shift in Virgin’s bargaining approach to ensure a fair, sustainable enterprise agreement offer and avoid last resort strikes.”

A Virgin Australia spokesperson said it is aware of the application for a protected action ballot today.

“It is important to note that the current Cabin Crew Agreement expired less than two weeks ago,” the spokesperson said.

“Since that time, Virgin Australia has continued to bargain in good faith, and with a clear commitment to relevant unions of our intention to reach an amicable solution on a new agreement.

“The TWU taking this move to go to ballot for protected industrial action while negotiations are still progressing both constructively and within reasonable timeframes reflects the changed industrial relations landscape and is now a common part of the early process.

“Virgin Australia looks forward to the next round of negotiations with both the TWU and the FAAA on Wednesday November 15. Both unions were accepting of our request to move the meeting by 3 business days to ensure there is adequate time to review and respond to the most recent union claim.

“Virgin Australia remains confident that an amicable solution will be found. One that appropriately rewards our valued Cabin Crew and at the same time protects the underlying commercial resilience of Virgin Australia and the outstanding value and choice it provides every day to the Australian travelling public.”

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Fair Work Commission Michael Kaine Transport Workers Union virgin australia