Virgin Atlantic Airways founder Richard Branson has called on the airline’s pilots to scrap plans for a strike that would leave “an indelible scar” on the airline.
Branson says he will meet the pilots for private talks in a bid to avoid threatened industrial action which would “impact customers’ trust” and “damage the unique and friendly culture at Virgin Atlanticâ€.
Sir Richard is urging British Airline Pilots Association, the union representing 85 percent of VS’s 750 pilots, to re-engage in talks with management to resolve the matter.
Dates for industrial action are expected to be announced on Tuesday after pay talks with Virgin Atlantic broke down.
“Pilots do not want to strike and are hugely disappointed by the company’s approach. There has been no UK pilot strike for 32 years. But there comes a time when even moderate people say ‘enough’,” said a union leader.
Branson, the Virgin Group chairman, told the pilots, “I think it’s worth you knowing I have taken no salary out of Virgin Atlantic since 2005.
“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.
“Despite this, I am still committed to continuing to support Virgin Atlantic through difficult times provided those difficulties are not self-inflicted.”
