Virgin Atlantic pilots threaten strike action over wellbeing and fatigue

Some 96% of the company’s 835 pilots have recently supported a ballot on strike action over scheduling and rostering issues, according to the BBC.

“Our members have registered a trade dispute with Virgin Atlantic arising out of serious concerns relating to pilot fatigue and wellbeing around scheduling and rostering arrangements, implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic,” a Balpa spokesperson told the BBC.

Balpa represents the majority of Virgin Atlantic pilots.

Implemented during the pandemic and ending in December, Virgin Atlantic’s flying time is understood to be around 750 hours per calendar year – the legal limit is 900 hours.

For its part, the airline told the BBC it was ready to enter negotiations in the next few weeks, while maintaining all agreements had been “developed and supported by Balpa pilot representatives”.