Virgin sacks 13 over Facebook 'chav' remarks

[UNISON Scotland Community & Voluntary sector e-group]

Not strictly voluntary sector however a warning for all employees
using websites such as Facebook without thinking through what your
posting and who can see it!!

The Guardian, Saturday November 1 2008

Virgin Atlantic has sacked 13 cabin crew after they posted messages on
Facebook referring to passengers as "chavs" and making jokes about
faulty engines.

The airline said yesterday the employees' behaviour was "totally
inappropriate" and "brought the company into disrepute".

Disciplinary action was launched last week amid claims flight crew had
criticised its safety standards and insulted passengers on the social
networking site.

Other comments joked that planes were full of cockroaches and claimed
the airline's jet engines were replaced four times in one year.

It is understood the messages were posted by members of a Facebook
group about planes flying from Gatwick, which has now been removed.

The airline said 13 staff members participated in a discussion on
Facebook which "brought the company into disrepute and insulted some
of our passengers.

"It is impossible for these cabin crew members to uphold the high
standards of customer service that Virgin Atlantic is renowned for if
they hold these views."

A spokesman for the airline added: "Virgin Atlantic staff are known
for their world-class customer service and there is no place in our
business for anyone who behaves otherwise."

The incident is the latest example of workers falling foul of
corporate standards as a result of their conduct on Facebook and other
similar sites.

Last week a telecommunications worker in Sydney learned the hard way
the perils of sharing too much information on Facebook after he was
caught by his employer faking a sick day after a big night out.