Today Virgin Australia has announced massive cuts to staff in it’s Head Office, although in conversations today Virgin couldn’t confirm that these cuts would not extend to other areas across the network.
News reports said 750 jobs across the business. ASU members are understandably shocked at the announcement, especially given that there has been no warning that such drastic action was being considered.
In case you were unaware, Union members at head office have been seeking to sit down with Virgin Australia and negotiate an agreement for wages and conditions for staff for over six months. These discussions would have been an opportunity to discuss these concerns. Unfortunately Virgin has refused to negotiate and continues to fight to prevent negotiations in the Fair Work Commission.
If Virgin was committed to limiting the adverse impact of their financial position on staff, they would agree to negotiate, rather than spend money on lawyers to avoid genuine discussions.
Your union office has had a conversation with Todd Reynolds, General Manager, Group Workplace Relations following his email to your union office.
Your Union office has requested an urgent a meeting be held with delegates at head office and Virgin representatives to discuss these proposals, including proposed timeframes and measures to avoid or reduce the adverse effects of the changes on employees.
The ASU is waiting for a response from Virgin to this request – if they don’t meet with your union delegates and office – this may enliven a dispute at the Fair Work Commission, to force meaningful consultation.
Here is what your union office knows so far:
It’s important that at times like these, union members stick together – support each other and ensure that everyone knows their rights.
If you need to discuss matters further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your team at the union office or your union delegates 
Virgin Australia Bulletin # 29 - 28 August 2019