Bristow UK crews represented by BALPA have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. Photo Bristow
Bristow Pilots, winch operators and winch paramedics represented by the British Air Line Pilots’ Association (BALPA) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay. The ballot revealed that 96.31% of Bristow’s BALPA members voted in favour of action with 92.74% represented members taking part.
Commenting on the vote, BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said that the vote “is a clear indication of the strength of feeling amongst our members. Our members, who include pilots and technical crew (winch paramedics and winch operators), operate in some of the most treacherous conditions. They provide vital search and rescue services and transport workers to the oil and gas rigs in the North Sea. For years, our members have remained loyal to Bristow, enduring pay freezes and cuts while they were in difficult times. It is unreasonable for Bristow to expect their helicopter pilots and technical crews to continue with austerity pay at a time when the company is booming, and it is BALPA members who are at the heart of that success.”
In response to the ballot, a Bristow spokesman said, “We are extremely disappointed by the outcome of this ballot and that, despite Bristow tabling an improved offer in a bid to avoid strike action, staff were not given an opportunity to vote on that offer before being balloted to participate in strike action. We believe our latest offer is highly competitive and remain committed to working collaboratively with BALPA to arrive at a fair and sustainable agreement that recognises the hard work and commitment of our team and to avoid unnecessary strike action.”
While the form the action may take is yet to be revealed, Leversidge added: “Industrial action is always a last resort, and none of our members want to be in this position, but clearly enough is enough. Our ballot result today sends a resolute message to Bristow that their pay offer must be improved. We strongly urge Bristow to listen to what their workers are telling them loud and clear and get back to the bargaining table with BALPA.”
