Today's announcement of $331 million profit after tax at Virgin has been made possible from the efforts of a workforce that has loyally stood by the airline, with the TWU calling on Virgin and Bain to continue repaying and investing in the workforce.
Following a five-point claim on owners Bain Capital from the TWU, Virgin recently announced an employee share scheme as part of its IPO.
The TWU is urging Bain Capital to continue insourcing efforts to embed decent jobs across Virgin's supply chain, accelerate consultation as part of its Qatar partnership, and continue discussions on fatigue management and rostering ahead of the next bargaining round with pilots, ground and cabin crew.
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.
TWU National Assistant Secretary Emily McMillan said:
"Virgin has shown that listening to your workforce, rather than taking an antagonistic, combative attitude as we've seen at Qantas, can yield strong results.
"We've seen progress at Virgin towards decent jobs and standards and a positive relationship with workers, with movement towards insourcing and consultation on the Qatar partnership. It was also pleasing to see Virgin and Bain recognise workers' efforts with an employee share scheme, after TWU members had deservedly called for it.
"With many areas of aviation in crisis, we now need to see Virgin join us in pursuing reform to return aviation to an industry that works for the whole community.
"We need to continue to see movement towards decent, good jobs and standards for passengers, and for that we need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission."
