Virgin Australia in talks with ground staff over payment dispute

(Reuters) -Virgin Australia said on Tuesday it was in talks with its ground staff for a new deal after a union alleged that the carrier was not honouring its payment commitments to ground and cabin crew.

The carrier was expected to sign up to five commitments including an employee share scheme as well as investments in technology and workers to maintain safe and fair standards, according to a statement from the Transport Workers’ Union in July.

“We are in the process of negotiating a new enterprise agreement for our Pit Crew employees … continue to negotiate in good faith with our people and the Transport Workers’ Union,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

Virgin Australia posted its first profit in 11 years for fiscal 2023 earlier this month, buoyed by a recovery in travel demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Reuters reported earlier this month that the Bain Capital-owned airline had delayed its listing plans in Australia to 2024 after assessing market conditions.

The union did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.