It’s that striking time of year again

VS pilots to strike 22-25 December..

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46487672

And BA’s unions are gearing up for a battle too, with a pay demand under review...

Funny how it’s always at this time of year.

"Virgin Atlantic said it did not expect any disruption to its schedule."

Hard to believe there will be no disruption. I read online at work that about a third of Virgin's pilots are affiliated to the Union involved. Sure, they have people on standby all the time, but not enough to cover a third of a very select workforce [i.e. pilots] not turning up. This is, of course, an extreme, as there is no way all the pilots rostered on potential strike days would be affiliated to the Union involved.

That said, for Virgin to claim there will be no disruption seems a little optimistic.

From the 22nd December I read online. Well that means I can get to Vegas with no problem even if I cannot get back so I am OK with an extension to my holiday if Virgin have to pay my hotel etc

[mitchja]

From the 22nd December I read online. Well that means I can get to Vegas with no problem even if I cannot get back so I am OK with an extension to my holiday if Virgin have to pay my hotel etc

I wouldn't bank on any compo from delays / cancelations caused by strike action as all airlines class industrial action as extraordinary circumstances and so don't have to pay out.

Actually that’s not necessarily so. The CAA has confirmed that when a flight cancellation is caused by strike action by the airline’s employees, the airline is required to pay compensation to passengers in respect of the delay or cancellation of the flight, if it has not warned passengers of the cancellation at least two weeks prior to the scheduled time of departure.

Only this week the CAA has launched enforcement action against Ryanair after it refused to compensate passengers for this summer’s strikes by its pilots and cabin crew.

And regardless of whether compensation is due, the normal EC261/2004 regulations governing duty of care would apply if a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed due to strike action. So VS would be obliged to pay for a hotel if it can’t fly you home on the day you’ve booked. (Though note the hotel may be of its choosing. Don’t expect it to pay for another night in your $700 suite at the Wynn.)

Is it possible for DL pilots to fly VS metal? DL have the A330 in the fleet in both variations and I understand if the pilot is B777 type approved they can fly the B787. Just not sure of the agreement both airlines have in respect of flight crew operations between the 2 airlines.

Is it possible for DL pilots to fly VS metal? DL have the A330 in the fleet in both variations and I understand if the pilot is B777 type approved they can fly the B787. Just not sure of the agreement both airlines have in respect of flight crew operations between the 2 airlines.

Absolutely not. DL agreements with its pilot unions prevents this from happening.

DL pilots would simply refuse to fly VS planes.

So I share a tale from the rail with regards to cross cover of companies!

Currently a train company up north is having to hire in trains from another company. That companies drivers are driving them (think like a wet lease!) but because of union agreements, the original company has to roster a driver to the train too, who because they don’t sign that type of rolling stock will sit in the back and do nothing.

If they aren’t there the train has to be cancelled! Absolutely shambolic!

Having been involved in a lot of strikes the last few years, then VS will be doing everything possible to make the union feel like it’s action is futile, both PR posturing and actually looking at rosters, availability, management to see where they can fill those gaps! I assume that anyone involved in line management of pilots must retain competence and will probably not be unionised?

feeling concerned.... am flying to Boston on 22nd Dec.

the news is suggesting there may be some cancellations now... anyone with any intel which flights/routes most likely to be affected? (appreciate that may purely be crystal ball gazing...). Flying to Boston on VS metal on 22/12, back on 1/1. (less concerned about the return trip!)

I am also getting concerned we are flying 22/12 LHR to JFK then down to MCO ...

Twitter now saying

“Our priority is to ensure customers can complete their travel plans this Christmas, regardless of any proposed industrial action. We’ve secured additional aircraft that, if required, will provide extra capacity to make sure all of our customers can reach their final destinations.”

https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... high-court

Strike has been blocked by the high court.

Now we just need rid of the drones...