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Virgin strike called off

Tuesday, 8 January 20083 min read

Virgin Atlantic cabin crew have called off a four-day strike after their union reached a last minute agreement with the airline over pay.

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.”

By Bev Fearis