Virgin Australia short-haul cabin crew approve new enterprise agreement

Virgin Australia has secured a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) with its short-haul cabin crew after 90 per cent voted in favour of a deal the Transport Workers’ Union says will improve conditions for staff.

TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said the EBA, which covers about 2,100 short-haul cabin crew, made Virgin a “better, more sustainable airline”.

“The company has gained productivity improvements by enhancing the staff’s consultative culture in a highly motivated workforce,” Sheldon said in a statement on Friday.

“The process of negotiating this deal proves that when management engage in a respectful and meaningful way with their employees a lot more is achieved. It will ensure current and future employees have a strong voice in the airline.”

The TWU said the agreement included specific leave for those who have been affected by family and domestic violence, “no negative changes and no trade-off of current conditions”, increased overtime and better rostering and crewing practices. There were also “updates to wages, conditions and classification to recognise the role of cabin crew in Virgin Australia’s expansion and move to a full-service airline”.

TWU negotiating team member Anne Brine said the EBA would “give us good careers while we provide for our families”.

“Negotiations were tough and lengthy but the result shows what can be achieved when the crew stand together.”

The approved EBA was expected to be sent to Fair Work Australia for final approval.