PILOTS on Virgin Atlantic have announced fresh strikes in the new year for union recognition and against a toxic work environment.

Members of the Professional Pilots Union (PPU) will be striking against Virgin management’s decision to seek an injunction to ban its planned strikes over Christmas and the new year.

A court hearing is set for December 20 — two days before the first strike is planned.

Hundreds of PPU members on Virgin Atlantic voted over seven to one to strike earlier this month.

They are demanding formal union recognition and an end to a “bullying” workplace culture.

PPU spokesperson Steve Johnson said: “Virgin Atlantic management could provide a tangible agreement to recognise this union — that’s all they need to do.

“They would rather go to court than do the right thing — it doesn’t make sense, especially when they claim publicly that they wish to ‘recognise us in principle.’

“It leaves us with no choice but step up our strike action.”