The union for Virgin Australia Airlines pilots has today made an urgent plea to the Morrison Government to bail out the airline to save more than 16,000 jobs and keep the Australian airfare market fair.
The Association for Virgin Australia Group Pilots (VIPA) is supporting Virgin Australia’s request for a $1.4 billion injection of funds to keep the airline afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
A failure to meet this request will see thousands of workers lose their jobs, and airfare costs rise dramatically for all Australian travellers.
The bailout request is less than the combined cost of redundancy pay, entitlements, and unemployment benefits payable should Virgin Australia fail.
VIPA represents approximately half of the 1500 Virgin Australia pilots who collectively have more than 20,000 years of flying experience between them.
Quotes attributable to VIPA President, John Lyons
“The Morrison Government must act now to save Virgin Australia Airlines.”
“More than 16,000 workers are employed directly and indirectly by the airline. The economic effects of these job losses would be devastating to the Australian economy. The Morrison Government must act now to save these jobs and the livelihoods of Virgin Australia employees and their families.”
“If Virgin Australia Airlines collapses the cost of travel for all Australians will skyrocket. We must have a healthy and competitive airfare market to keep the air fair for all travellers.”
“Virgin Australia Airlines services many rural and regional areas. The Morrison Government cannot turn their back on Australians living in these areas and leave them unable to access flights.”
“We need decisive and urgent action to save Virgin Australia Airlines and keep the air fair for every Australian.”
.jpg){kind=tracking}