Virgin Group co-founder Richard Branson publicly urged the US administration to accept its mistake and change course on tariffs, emphasizing that companies need sufficient time to adapt. His statement serves as a call for accountability and responsible policy, aligning with anti‑authoritarian principles.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, among other leading CEOs, publicly warned about the economic consequences of Trump's tariff policies, highlighting risks of recession and inflation. This statement signals the company’s resistance to policies perceived as authoritarian and detrimental to global economic stability.

OpenSecrets' profile on Virgin Group details the company's federal lobbying activities using data from the Senate Office of Public Records, with figures downloaded on February 19, 2025. The profile underscores the extent of corporate political engagement which raises concerns about undue influence in democratic processes.

During a protest by Culinary Union members at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas on August 29, 2024, 23 union members were arrested amid a long-standing labor dispute over contract renewals and wage increases. Virgin Group’s handling of negotiations and subsequent filing of an unfair labor practice suit highlight deep-seated issues in labor relations.

Virgin Group released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement, detailing comprehensive anti-slavery measures, including robust labor rights protections, enhanced supplier due diligence, updated ethical sourcing policies, and active advocacy against modern slavery in its supply chains.

Virgin Group released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement detailing comprehensive measures to eliminate modern slavery risks in its operations and supply chains. The statement outlines strong due diligence practices, supplier code of conduct, employee training, and external reviews to ensure that labor rights are upheld and human trafficking is combated.

Virgin Atlantic released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement outlining its comprehensive measures to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking across its operations and supply chains. The statement details rigorous recruitment practices, a responsible supplier policy, the use of EcoVadis for supply chain evaluations, and robust whistleblowing procedures. It was approved by the Boards of Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited and Virgin Holidays Limited on 27 March 2024.

Virgin Atlantic released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement, detailing comprehensive policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour across its operations and supply chains. The statement also outlines robust recruitment, sustainable procurement, and employee whistleblowing practices in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.

OpenSecrets data reveals that during the 2024 cycle, Virgin Group contributed $67,232 in political donations and spent $380,000 on lobbying efforts. The profile also notes revolving door activity with several lobbyists having prior government experience, raising concerns about regulatory capture and undue corporate influence over policymaking.

Virgin Australia, part of the Virgin Group, released its FY23 Modern Slavery Statement detailing comprehensive measures to identify, assess, and address modern slavery risks in its operations and supply chain. The statement highlights the introduction of a new Human Rights Policy, enhanced supplier due diligence, risk segmentation analysis, targeted training for staff, and robust grievance mechanisms.

Virgin Australia, part of the wider Virgin Group, published its comprehensive FY23 Modern Slavery Statement detailing initiatives to assess and mitigate modern slavery risks within its operations and supply chain. The document outlines strategies ranging from supplier due diligence and enhanced training programs to the development of a first Human Rights Policy and robust grievance mechanisms, reflecting a strong commitment to ethical labor practices and supply chain transparency.

On July 21, 2023, Virgin's West Australian-based Virgin Australia Regional Airlines agreed to a 13.5% pay rise for its fly-in, fly-out engineers. This last-minute deal resulted in the company retracting its planned test case under Labor’s new unilateral arbitration laws, a move made amid strong union opposition.

Virgin America Inc. and Alaska Airlines Inc. flight attendants received nearly $31 million in a wage-and-hour case ruling, affirming the enforcement of fair labor practices after a federal district judge reevaluated penalties in California on January 24, 2023.

Virgin Group, under Richard Branson's leadership, publicly reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery and labor abuse by issuing detailed modern slavery statements outlining steps taken to ensure supply chain transparency and protect human rights.

Virgin Group spent $840,000 on lobbying activities in 2023, with several of its lobbyists having prior government roles. This revolving door dynamic raises concerns regarding democratic accountability and the potential for regulatory capture.

Virgin Atlantic pilots announced strikes aimed at securing formal union recognition and challenging a toxic work environment, as they oppose Virgin management’s move to ban planned strikes over the holiday period.