Christmas travel plans in crisis after Virgin Atlantic pilots decide whether to strike or not over festive period

VIRGIN ATLANTIC planes could be grounded over Christmas with pilots set to vote on whether to take industrial action.

The workers are in dispute with the airline over the recognition of their union.

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A poll due to close on December 16, could see them take action “short of a strike” from December 23.

The Professional Pilots Union, which represents 70 per cent of those flying for Virgin, said pilots will stick rigidly to rosters and refuse to work overtime.

It could leave a “significant number of flights not covered for the duration of any action”.

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The industrial action would “continue indefinitely”.

It is part of a long-running bid to force the airline to recognise the union, formed in a breakaway from the BRITISH AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION (Balpa) in 2011.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: “In principle we’re prepared to recognise the PPU, but they’re demanding that we also de-recognise Balpa, a long established and respected union.”

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