Virgin Australia airport workers launch industrial action

“Conversations with passengers will be kept to a limited time to minimise disruption as the action is designed to avoid delays and ensure Australians can continue to travel unimpeded,” the union said in a statement.

“The ASU and Virgin Australia will appear before the Fair Work Commission today, Wednesday 28 and tomorrow, Thursday 29 October over the bargaining dispute with the union demanding that the airline use those two days to resolve issues that are still on the table. If they fail to do so, members maintain the option to escalate action further.

“Virgin’s current offer falls well short of worker demands, particularly on the proposed introduction of nine-hour shifts and cuts to Days in Lieu, along with pay that does not recognise their work.”

The tactics echo those employed by Jetstar airport staff, also backed by the ASU, earlier this month, who waived some sales-related fees in an effort to put pressure on the airline while causing minimum disruption to passengers.

ASU assistant national secretary Scott Cowen said Virgin workers “have voted to take action, and they’re doing so in a way that ensures travellers can still get where they’re going on time without disruption”.

“Members will wear union gear, drop a few uniform items and have a quick word with passengers about why they’re doing it. We’re not trying to hold up anyone’s trip, we’re just trying to get the best outcome we can for workers,” he said.

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“Our members check Virgin passengers in and look after them at the gate every day, and they keep this airline moving all year. They’ve asked for an agreement that recognises that, without nine-hour shifts or cuts to Days in Lieu.

“Virgin has been bragging to investors about how its strategy is working, with underlying net profit up 21.9 per cent to $404 million for the year to 30 June and a dividend for shareholders. It’s time the airline recognised that workers built that result and they’re entitled to a fair share of it.

“We’ll be before the Commission for two days this week. Virgin can use those days to settle this or they’ll face further action from workers.”

Virgin Australia has offered the workers base wage increases of five per cent in year one and four per cent each in years two and three of a new agreement, as well as a new minimum 20 per cent shift loading, increasing to 22.5 per cent for night shifts.

Workers are also being offered clearer opportunities for career progression and a new roster structure that will give an extra 13 to 15 days off per year, the airline says.

A Virgin spokesperson said there are “no expected impacts to [the airline’s] operation as a result of today’s action”.

“We have put forward an offer that ensures we can continue delivering for our people and customers and compete effectively in a highly challenging operating environment.

“We remain committed to working with the ASU and employee representatives to reach an agreement.”

It comes as Virgin cabin crew are also set to vote on protected industrial action, saying pay and conditions “still have not returned to pre-pandemic levels”.