The USU/ASU met with Virgin Australia multiple times last week to discuss the impact of extensive lockdowns and border closures on the airline’s flying schedule. Due to a large number of team members accepting the invitation to take Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), Annual Leave and/or Long Service Leave this week, Virgin have been able to avoid standing down any team members.

Roster Period 7 (until 11 July 2021)

Thanks to many team members responding to the EOI and requesting to take SLWOP or annual leave for the remainder of RP7, it was not necessary for Virgin to stand down any team members this week.

As a result, Virgin will not be opening a separate EOI process asking team members to nominate their preferences for stand downs (this was mentioned in our bulletin dated 30 June 2021).

Roster Period 8 (12 July 2021 to 25 July 2021)

Virgin advised the USU/ASU that it will delay publishing the roster for RP8 until C.O.B. on Wednesday, 7 July 2021. Virgin are continuing to build the flying schedule for RP8. As you are aware, the schedule has needed to be significantly adjusted due to recent lockdowns and border closures.

Once the schedule is released, Virgin will consider responses to the EOI process which invited team members to request SLWOP or annual leave for the first two weeks of RP8 (12 to 25 July 2021).

Due to the delay in the roster being published, the USU/ASU has asked Virgin to communicate the roster to team members in multiple formats. This will include sending you an email, sending you a text message, and publishing a note on Workplace.

The USU/ASU will continue to consult with Virgin about any further disruptions caused by the recent lockdowns and border closures. Please contact your organiser if you have questions or issues you need assistance with.

The USU/ASU is by your side!

The USU/ASU are by your side during this challenging time. If you are not yet an USU/ASU member – now is the time to join. Sign up now to make sure your rights at work are protected – www.usu.org.au/join

If you have any questions about this email or need any assistance at work, please contact your USU organiser Thomas Russell on 0419 761 320 or via email at trussell@usu.org.au