Virgin Atlantic cabin crew have called off a four-day strike after their union reached a last minute agreement with the airline over pay.
Although not anticiapted to have affected Australia services, the industrial action was planned for January 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Virgin and the union, Unite, agreed a two-year deal with a 4.8% increase in year one and a guarantee of RPI in year two.
In addition to the increases to crew trip pay, there is a commitment to review its calculation as of April 2009.
Virgin said the deal also allows for previously-agreed increases to other variable elements of cabin crew pay and a commitment by both parties to review the current consultative structure.
The airline’s president Sir Richard Branson said: “The outcome is a triumph of common sense and means that our passengers need not worry about getting to their destinations.”
Unite national officer Brian Boyd added: “This agreement recognises the important contribution cabin crew make to the business and I am of the firm opinion that we now have the opportunity to ensure an improved relationship with Virgin Atlantic in the future.”
A Report by Bev Fearis
