Virgin Atlantic pilots to appeal court ruling prohibiting strikes

A union representing pilots at Virgin Atlantic is attempting to overturn a court injunction won by the UK carrier last month, which prevented industrial action from taking place in the run-up to Christmas. The Professional Pilots’ Union (PPU), which represents about 30% of Virgin Atlantic’s pilots, had planned to carry out a Dec. 22-25 strike, as well as two further four-day stoppages up to Jan. 7, to protest the airline’s refusal to recognize the UK long-haul carrier. However, Virgin won a High Court injunction Dec. 20, prohibiting the industrial action. In a Jan. 8 statement, the PPU said it had instructed its lawyers to appeal the High Court’s decision, although it remains hopeful that a resolution can be found outside the courtroom. Talks with Virgin Atlantic have been taking place at UK mediation service ACAS’ headquarters since the injunction was granted, the PPU said, “with a view to reaching agreement on recognition and the union playing a full part in negotiations over the company’s review of pilot’s terms and conditions.”<br/>