Virgin's annual report detailing its strong results has been made possible from the efforts of its workforce, with the TWU welcoming the recovery of the airline but questioning the significant payout of its former CEO.
The TWU has indicated that Hrdlicka's near-$50 million pay packet announced today will bear significant weight when it comes to discussions on fatigue management, rostering and pay ahead of 2026 bargaining with pilots, ground and cabin crew.
The TWU is urging Bain Capital to continue insourcing efforts to embed decent jobs across Virgin's supply chain and accelerate consultation as part of its Qatar partnership.
The TWU is also calling on Virgin to pursue industry reform with the TWU via a Safe and Secure Skies Commission after it made a claim on airlines, airports, regulators and the Federal Government in May to return balance to the industry instead of profits flowing straight to executives.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said:
"Following recent announcements of strong profits at Virgin, enabled by a workforce that has worked non-stop to deliver these results, this annual report is an encouraging sign of the future of a strong airline.
"What is eye-watering to the average aviation worker as well as the Australian public is the near $50 million pay packet now handed out to former CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. We cannot continue to see CEOs and executives in aviation pocket obscene salaries while the industry is at breaking point.
"With bargaining across the group upcoming over the next year, it is crucial Virgin continues to listen to the people who have turned this airline around. What is crystal clear is that if the airline can hand out exorbitant pay packets to executives it can ensure its workers have good, secure jobs.
"What we need to see across the industry is that the number one priority is on safety and decent standards-both for workers and passengers. Virgin should join us in pursuing reform including a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to return the community focus back to aviation, instead of executive profits."
