Virgin Atlantic staff call off strikes

The proposed strikes by Virgin Atlantic cabin crew have been called off, it has been confirmed.

Last month, the carrier's staff had voted to pursue strike action on January 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th over a pay dispute.

The workers, who planned to down tools for 48 hours on each date, alleged that they were paid significantly less than those of other carriers who did a similar job.

However, the threat of strike action has now been averted after the staff accepted Virgin's offer of a 4.8 per cent rise following negotiations between the carrier and the trade union Amicus.

Virgin 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."

The deal will be reviewed in two years time, but in the meantime represents a step towards the contribution made by cabin crew being more greatly acknowledged by the industry, Brian Boyd, national officer at Unite, said.

He added: "I am of the firm opinion that we now have the opportunity to ensure an improved relationship with Virgin Atlantic in the future."

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