The TWU is calling on Virgin to ensure commitments around consultation with the Qatar partnership and upcoming IPO are maintained to ensure workers' voices are heard.
The announcement is a positive for the aviation industry with opportunities to further grow Virgin, in conjunction with Qatar's stake in the airline.
The TWU, which had been calling for Virgin to commit to an employee share scheme as part of a five-point claim on Bain Capital, welcomed an announcement this week that Virgin employees will receive $3000 worth of share rights for employees as part of the IPO.
With crisis conditions still in other areas of aviation, the TWU is also calling on the airline to join the union in pursuing reform of the industry to increase stability.
TWU National Assistant Secretary Emily McMillan said:
"Virgin's public float is a huge opportunity to continue building a strong second airline in this country-but it must be followed up by commitments to workers.
"This is an airline that was on the brink of devastation and is now back to making record profits, with the potential for significantly more following the IPO. Workers have made this result possible and are consistently recognised as some of the best in the world at what they do.
"There are still question marks around this public float as well as Qatar's stake in the airline, and what this means for workers. While an IPO has the potential to further grow the airline and increase opportunities for workers and the travelling public, we must see Virgin make clear that it will continue to consult closely with its workforce.
"This announcement is a positive for the Australian aviation industry, but we need to see more done to increase standards for passengers and workers across the board. The TWU is calling for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission that returns aviation to an industry that benefits our communities-and Virgin must join us in pursuing this reform."
