Virgin avoids holiday strikes, settles with unions

Edited by Travel Weekly

Virgin Australia cabin crew who recently overwhelmingly voted in favour of protected industrial action have achieved an in-principle agreement for better pay and work-life balance.

After six months of negotiations and more than a year of raising concerns about fatiguing rosters, cabin crew have locked in provisions including an additional six days off a year, recognition for time spent on unpaid standby, and overtime payments after nine hours.

Pandemic emergency settings had seen cabin crew fall below award minimum rates and seniority classifications fall away. This deal will deliver pay increases between 14 per cent and 18 per cent over the three-year agreement for members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA).

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine congratulated cabin crew on holding firm for the terms and conditions they needed to make their jobs sustainable.

Michael Kaine from the TWU

“Virgin cabin crew have achieved an enterprise agreement that substantially lifts pay and conditions after pandemic emergency settings left them battling long hours, gruelling rosters, and juggling second jobs to get by,” Kaine said.

“From the start, cabin crew asked for terms and conditions that show they’re respected, heard and valued. Finally, crew have achieved a deal that will keep them in their jobs.

“This outcome shows the strength of workers bringing a solution-focused approach to bargaining and standing strong together to achieve it. Earlier this year, TWU ground crew, cabin crew and pilots provided Virgin owners Bain Capital with a plan to future-proof the airline with good, secure jobs and industry standards. It took longer than it should have, but this plan is now well underway with strong improvements to ground and cabin crew jobs. Pilots must be next, with ongoing negotiations resolved as quickly and respectfully as possible.

“With the peak season upon us, it’s a relief for everyone that protected industrial action won’t be needed. Good, secure jobs are the answer to rebuilding aviation. That’s why we need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to rebalance the industry.”

In a statement from Virgin Australia, the airline said it was pleased to have reached an agreement with the TWU and FAAA.

“This is great news for our teams and our customers,” an airline spokesperson wrote.

“Under the new Enterprise Agreement, cost of living pressures will be easier for crew to manage, and lifestyle challenges will be easier to navigate.”

Virgin pilots are still in the midst of negotiations.

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Michael Kaine twu virgin australia