‘Expect major delays’: Virgin airport staff set to stop work

On Friday, 13 November, airport staff refused to make announcements for boarding, gate changes, or final calls.  One week prior, staff withdrew priority boarding, and on both occasions, waived several sales fees, such as excess baggage, seat changes, and late fees, and refused to perform lounge check-in duties.

The ASU announced that action will “escalate significantly” on Monday, should Virgin “not accept the union’s proposed agreement”.

According to the union, ground staff in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane will hold back boarding until 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, and perform two one-hour work stoppages.

In Sydney and Melbourne, union members will perform total work stoppages between 6:30-7:30am, and again between 5-6pm. In Adelaide, the stoppages will take place from 5:30-6:30am, and 5:30-6:30pm. In Brisbane, the stoppages are planned for 7-8am and 4-5pm.

“Passengers should expect cancellations and major delays,” the ASU said in a statement.

Australian Aviation understands that Virgin has offered a 5 per cent base wage increase in year one and 4 per cent in years two and three, with increases to day and afternoon shift loadings; clearer career progression; and rostering improvements with more days off per year.

VIEW ALL

>

The union said that negotiations have “failed to resolve the dispute” between members and the airline, as Virgin continues to push to introduce a nine-hour work day for airport staff, and cut some entitlements to days in lieu. 

“Virgin wants to run a premium model on budget resources which is simply not sustainable for workers or passengers,” said ASU Assistant National Secretary Scott Cowen “The eight-hour day is a basic Australian right and one we will fight to protect for our members.”

“Virgin workers carried the airline through the COVID pandemic, when thousands of jobs were cut and remaining staff accepted a wage freeze to help the airline recover. Since then, despite a $404 million profit last year, they have been asked to do more with fewer people which impacts workers and passengers.”

“Employees have always stuck by the company, and instead of rewarding them at a time they need it most, Virgin Australia is trying to remove their hard-earned entitlements,” Cowen said.

“Nine-hour shifts on your feet with no proper place to sit or rest will burn out some of Virgin’s best workers. When experienced staff leave, passengers are impacted,” Mr Cowen said.

The union said that safety, security and welfare announcements will all continue to be made as normal, and that passengers flying with Virgin on Friday and Monday are encouraged to watch departure screens and allow extra time at check-in and the gate.