Branson given until Monday to avert strike action by Virgin pilots

Virgin Atlantic pilots today set a Monday deadline for boss Sir Richard Branson to settle their pay dispute or face a crippling series of strikes.

Details of a "prolonged" series of stoppages next month and building up to the height of the summer holiday season are set to be announced on Tuesday.

Long haul routes to America, Caribbean, the Far East and Australia could be at risk.

Jim McAuslan, general secretary of Balpa, the pilots' union, said: "We hope Sir Richard is listening. If he were he'd know that pilots do not want to strike but are absolutely resolute in seeing this through to a satisfactory conclusion."

Pilots, who earn up to £110,000 a year, have already voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action but held off announcing strike dates to allow time for more talks.

They have turned down a pay increase of four per cent this year and three per cent for each of the next two years.

Balpa represents 85 per cent of Virgin's 750 pilots. Of the 627 pilots who took part in the ballot 607 supported strike action.

A Virgin spokesman said the company had made a "fair, affordable and sustainable offer, twice the national average for UK businesses and ahead of the majority of the airline industry".

He added: "We continue to have talks with Balpa. We hope we can find a resolution."