‘Don’t clip our wings’: Virgin employees plead with govt to save their jobs

Virgin employees have held back tears while pleading with the federal government to save their jobs . The airline entered voluntary administration on Tuesday after the government knocked back a last-ditch request for a $100 million grant to keep the company afloat for an additional few weeks. Employees from across the organisation were visibly emotional when they stepped up to address the government at a news conference from Sydney Airport on Tuesday. Flynn, a Virgin staff member, said the airline shutting down was like “losing a family member”. "We wake up because we love our job. Our job is our life ... If we don't have Virgin Australia, we are nothing,” he said. "I see it as Virgin Australia is something like my other mother. I love it like another mother. It is family to me. Each and every person behind me, and plus another 16,000 more across the globe. Virgin Australia is our family. Without it, it's like we are losing a family member.” Scott, a ground staff member, addressed the Prime Minister personally, pleading with him to save the company. “These people behind me, not only my mates, they're my brothers and sisters. Sir, I could not do your job and I don't envy you, but please let me do mine. Don't clip our wings.” The Labor-led news conference was designed to put a face to the 16,000 employees who face unemployment if the company goes under. The government thus far has been hardline in its stance against bailing out the company, which is majority-owned by international shareholders.

from National | Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/2wTUTvM