Company hopeful for 'amicable solution,' reports say
Cabin crew members of Virgin Australia Airlines are threatening industrial action over poverty pay, job insecurity, and unsafe conditions.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) announced on Monday that its Virgin cabin crew members will apply for a Protected Action Ballot to the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
According to the TWU, the move comes after Virgin Australia cancelled a meeting where it was supposed to respond to workers' claims for a living wage and safe conditions with an updated agreement offer.
The TWU said cabin crew members of Virgin Australia have been suffering from "poor rostering system, unrealistic turnaround times, and high staff turnover" leading to crew missing breaks.
"Workers are utterly exhausted, with several cabin crew members reporting near-misses on their drive home from long shifts," said TWU national secretary Michael Kaine in a statement.
"Protected industrial action is always a last resort, but our members know there are no second chances at 30,000 feet."
Ground crew application
The move also follows the Protection Action Ballot applied for by the Virgin ground crew three weeks ago, which now has the approval of the FWC.
"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," Kaine said.
"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."
The TWU previously served a five-point claim to Virgin owners Bain Capital to future-proof the airline by committing to:
- Respect for workers. Address cultural issues that led to high turnover, absenteeism, and disputation
- Good secure jobs. All ground, cabin crew, and pilots be directly employed.
- Ongoing investment. Invest in technology, fleet, and workers to maintain and grow safe, fair standards.
- Employee share scheme. Annual $1,000 employee share scheme in conjunction with IPO
- Industry reform. Support the campaign for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission
Virgin hoping for 'amicable solution'
A spokesperson from Virgin Australia told Sky News Australia they are confident that an "amicable solution" would 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," the spokesperson told the news outlet.
The spokesperson added that they will continue to bargain in good faith, while pointing out that it had only been two weeks since the expiry of the current Cabin Crew 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," the spokesperson said.
