🗞️Over Half of Virgin Pilots Consider Leaving Due to Roster Changes

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Despite the fact that unsustainable rosters already negatively impact pilots' work/life balance, mental health, and fatigue, as indicated by a survey of 180 pilots, Virgin is attempting to deny pilots six days of annual leave. In an industry that has seen a mass exodus of knowledgeable, experienced workers in recent years, nearly half of the pilots surveyed stated they would probably quit their jobs if the proposal was approved. This could result in a severe pilot shortage. The majority of respondents also cautioned that under the airline's plan, Virgin's efficiency would decline. Pilots have expressed concern that they are routinely scheduled for maximum shifts and minimum rest periods by Virgin's roster optimisation system. Of them, 85% say this affects their ability to manage fatigue, 82% say it affects their family life, and 55% say it affects their mental health. Pilots are afraid to bring up fatigue and mental health issues for fear of failing their medical and losing their licence, even though the issues are widely felt. "Despite the company's belief that there is no fatigue issue," one pilot stated, "the majority of pilots I fly with are fatigued." Another stated: "The health effects will result in the loss of medical coverage and the need to pursue alternative sources of income. We must stop undermining our working conditions.

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Pilots and Virgin have been in negotiations since September. However, instead of coming to a just and equitable settlement that compensates for pandemic sacrifices and addresses issues of fatigue and work/life balance, Virgin has not delivered on a new rostering system that was promised and now wants to cut down on vacation days. Rejecting Virgin's proposed agreement, a resounding 93% of respondents demanded that their days off be kept and that non-flying duties be more properly documented. The demands made by Virgin's pilots, cabin crew, and ground crew to the company's owners, Bain Capital, last July included respect, stable employment, and continued investment in the company's operations and workforce. Ground crew and cabin crew at Virgin attempted to file for the first-ever protected action ballots at the end of 2023, but negotiations over better work/life balance agreements, increased pay, and a promise to outsource more ground handling jobs prevented strikes.

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