Pilot Represented By The Professional Pilots Union Not Recognized By The Airline

About a third of Virgin Atlantic's pilots who are represented by the Professional Pilots Union (PPU) are threatening to walk off the job just before Christmas.

MSN reports that the labor action is planned for December 22-25. The pilots say they are being excluded from discussions about possible benefits changes because their union is not recognized by the carrier. Additional strikes are planned from December 30 to January 2, 2019, and January 4-7, according to the report.

A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic told Business Insider that a "small number" of pilots were planning to strike, and that no disruptions to the carrier's schedule was anticipated. "Our absolute priority is to ensure that all of our customers can continue their journeys as planned this Christmas, and we're working hard to protect all of their trips," the representative said. "We don't expect any disruption to the flying program," the representative said.

"We hope that Virgin acknowledge the mandate our members have given us, and help avoid strike action by recognizing the PPU and halt the benefits review that is so damaging to our members long-term security," a PPU representative said. "Our door is - and has always been - open to Virgin to take the necessary steps to prevent any disruption for Christmas travelers."

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report, www.theppu.co.uk