ACTU President,
Michele O’Neil
The unions representing Virgin workers acknowledge the announcement that Bain Capital has been successful in its bid to buy Virgin Australia, and once again call upon Scott Morrison to intervene in the aviation industry and extend JobKeeper to all workers.
Virgin administrators Deloitte have advised the unions that represent Virgin employees that they have signed a sale agreement with Bain Capital in the best possible terms given the circumstances.
We understand that the agreement provides 100% protection of employee entitlements but will result in the loss of jobs to some of Virgin Australia’s hardworking and skilled employees.
What is needed now is for the Federal Government to play its part to secure a viable future for the aviation industry and its workers given yesterday’s announcement by Qantas and today’s developments with Virgin.
We welcome the opportunity to work with Mike Murphy and his team and look forward to urgent discussions on their plans and the issues of concerns to workers: in particular their jobs, the ramp up of work and flights, and their future within a rebuilt and viable Virgin Australia.
We once again call on the Morrison Government to stop favouring one airline executive in their communication and commitments and give every aviation worker certainty by urgently confirming the extension of JobKeeper and announcing a package of assistance for the industry.
Scott Morrison has a responsibility to act today.
