virgin atlantic strikes ruining kids holidays

[bonnie321]

Anyone else annoyed about the potential virgin Atlantic strikes? I know they want to make a point but why ruin kids holidays. Children are the least likely to understand, the most likely to be upset and due to school are the most difficult to rearrange a holiday for. I understand the dates might be announced soon. We all have issues with the current economic and job situation, but why take it out on the kids? Don't they have a heart? I explained to my 8 yr old that we might not be able to go to Disney as planned. He was very upset.

Has there been any announcement about dates?

Not yet, afaik anyway

Employees only go on strike when they have exhausted all other avenues and are faced with an employer who is not willing to address their concerns. I think it is a misconception that it is so easy to go on strike. People have a lot to lose: money, future promotion, etc. in going on strike. You should count yourself lucky if you work in an industry where you are treated with respect and you are able to voice your concerns - and that they will be taken seriously. Many employees do not enjoy such luxuries.

So, IMHO, if the pilots feel they have no option but to go on strike in order for the company to listen to them, then I support them.

If it had an impact on my travel, I would not be amused, (and I feel sorry for the kids and anyone who is truly let down), but in the greater scheme of things, I do not want Britain to go down the American (or Chinese!) route with regard to employee rights. It's not all about the big buck: people who strike now in attempt to retain a bit of their current working conditions, protect the employees of the future. Who knows: maybe one day your son or daughter could be a VA pilot, a teacher, etc and be thankful of their sacrifice.

An aside: I find it amusing that BALPA regards this as an honourable reason to strike (which it may well be), but chose to send in some of their pilots (who earn up to 4 times the amount cabin crew earn) as volunteer cabin crew to break the BA strike. Does anyone know how to spell hypocrite?

Can I just emphasise, I have no problem at all with people exercising their right to strike. DH is a teacher - he was on strike last week. People have a right to strike. But it's perfectly normal to feel pissed off that the strike could affect a holiday that I've saved long and hard for. That's all. Insurance will cover things in case of cancellation, but it may be too late then to get another flight for the dates we can go away. Fingers are very firmly crossed.

Virgin are not striking now! Holiday going ahead .... exotic location, here I come!

cookcleanerchaufferetc, enjoy!

(And check out the difference between selfish and unsympathetic )

I almost wish they were still going to strike, except that cookcleanerchaufferetc would miss her holiday.

Your kid would have been fine, op, and I have no sympathy.

Really? That's great news. Yay! And in the spirit of worker solidarity, I hope management gave them what they were asking for.

The strikes were never going to go ahead anyway. When it was first announced, commentators were saying it wouldnt happen. Pilots havent been on strike since the 70's.