Richard Branson: strikes will ‘scar’ Virgin Atlantic

Sir Richard Branson has said that "an indelible scar" will be left on Virgin Atlantic if pilots strike over pay. The Balpa union are set to announce dates for their industrial action later this week.

The dispute concerns the four per cent pay rise offered to pilots by Virgin, an increase that the union says is not enough in light of recent pay freezes. The company, meanwhile, points out that the four per cent offer is twice the national average.

Branson said he would be happy to hold private talks on the matter, and urged fresh discussions between Balpa officials and the company’s management. "I have looked at the details of your offer and believe it is fair," he wrote in a letter to pilots, "from the company's point of view, possibly a little too fair."

He said if the threat of strikes were not withdrawn soon it would "leave an indelible scar on the company, impact customers' trust in us and damage the unique and friendly culture at Virgin Atlantic".

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