Nautilus announces Virgin Voyages CBA

Nautilus International has signed a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Virgin Voyages Cruises Guernsey Ltd. (employer) and Virgin Cruises Intermediate Limited (vessel operator).

The CBA covers all British officers in deck and engineering grades serving onboard the Bermuda-flagged vessels Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady.

Nautilus commenced discussion with Virgin Voyages in 2019, prior to the introduction of its first vessel, Scarlet Lady. Covid delayed Virgin Voyages' official debut as a cruise line – the first sailing with paying guests finally commenced on August 6 2021 from Portsmouth – and also extended these discussions. An agreement has finally been reached for British officers in the fleet, which is effective for all from 1 December 2021.

Garry Elliott, head of international organising at Nautilus International, said: 'The Union very much welcomes the opportunity to develop a partnership and work ethic that will benefit the company, union members and seafarers. Nautilus urges British officers to join the Union so as to allow for effective representation at future pay negotiations and terms and conditions reviews.

'The industrial team intends to visit both vessels at the earliest opportunity when they enter UK ports, to speak to current members and to meet with as many of the British crew as possible.

'We would like to thank the company, employer and senior management for their open and inclusive dialogue with Nautilus International, and express our hope for a productive relationship lasting many years.'