Pilots at Virgin Atlantic have voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay.
According to the British Air Line Pilots’ Association (BALPA), some 97% of its Virgin members voted to strike, from a turnout of 94%.
The dispute is over a lack of pay increases for pilots at Virgin, who BALPA said have seen no rise in pay since 2008.
Jim McAuslan, BALPA’s general secretary, said the proposals for 2012 and 2013 were sub-inflation and an “attack on living standards”.
He called on Virgin boss Richard Branson to meet with BALPA, adding that “the size of the poll and the huge majority for action” should send a “clear message”.
In the hope that Branson will intervene, BALPA has not announced any strike dates.
“Pilots do not want to strike and are hugely disappointed by the company’s approach,” said McAuslan.
“We do not want to inconvenience the public and hope that Sir Richard will use some of his undoubted Virgin Flair to settle this.”
A spokeswoman for Virgin said the airline is “naturally disappointed” with the vote, but has "contingency plans" in place to minimize disruption if a strike does go ahead.
“[We] remain committed to further talks with our pilots’ representatives to find a solution,” she said.
“We have made an industry leading offer to BALPA that is double the national average for a UK business.
“We value our pilots enormously and that is why we have offered three guaranteed pay rises in the next two and a half years and a share of company profits. We believe that once BALPA communicate this offer to our pilots, industrial action will be averted.”
According to BALPA, it is the first time Virgin pilots have voted for a walk-out.
“Pilots are prepared to strike. We have absolute resolve to secure a fair settlement,” said McAuslan.
“Having been at this since last November, time is running out. If damage is to be avoided and passengers not inconvenienced then Sir Richard needs to act now.”