Virgin Atlantic pilots strike avoided

The threat of strike action by Virgin Atlantic pilots has been lifted after union bosses received a new pay offer from the Sir Richard Branson-fronted airline.

BALPA, the airline pilot’s union, says the deal will be put to pilots in a ballot. No details of the revised deal were disclosed but the union wanted more than the 4% increase offered by the carrier.

The news is a fillip to the carrier, which had feared that a strike would damage its brand reputation.

Sir Richard wrote to pilots last month, warning of the “indelible” scar that a strike would have left on perception. Pilots had overwhelmingly voted to strike for the first time in the brand’s history.

BALPA general secretary Jim McAuslan says: “Pilots have never wished to inconvenience the travelling public, especially those looking forward to summer holidays. We have therefore lifted the threat of strike action.

“Virgin Atlantic pilots will proudly continue their role of flying passengers safely to their destinations.”

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