Travel chaos looms for major airline

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Virgin Australia cabin crew members are set to strike over what they say is “poverty pay” and unsafe conditions at the leading Aussie airline, some claiming they have been forced to miss breaks and take second or third jobs just to make ends meet.

 

Transport Workers Union (TWU) members have applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a protected action ballot on Monday over the proposed industrial action.

 

The growing frustration has been mounted by claims Virgin Australia cancelled a meeting responding to workers’ claims for better pay and conditions.

 

But the airline has said it is attempting to bargain in “good faith” after the Cabin Crew Agreement expired less than two weeks ago.

 

“Since that time, Virgin Australia has continued to bargain … with a clear commitment to relevant unions of our intention to reach an amicable solution on a new agreement,” a Virgin spokesman said.

In a statement, the TWU said fatigue was “crippling” cabin and ground crew as well as pilots.

It said a poor rostering system, “unrealistic” turnaround times and high levels of staff turnover had caused existing crew members to miss breaks on their shifts.

“Successive pay freezes and cuts have caused many to seek second or third jobs to pay the bills,” the union’s statement reads.

“Cabin crew are responsible for passenger safety, including locking and arming doors, customer welfare and relaying important safety information.

“Fatigue can impair crew’s ability to respond to emergencies on the aircraft or in serious medical situations.”

In a statement, a Virgin spokesman said the TWU’s move during negotiations “reflects the changed industrial relations landscape and is now a common part of the early process”.

Another round of negotiations between the union and the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia (FAAA) will take place on Wednesday.