Hi
Nothing seems new about this latest development with BHL. Management is trying to maintain profit margins at any cost to the employees and their families.
However, all of us flying the North Sea need to keep in mind that this kind of uncertainty will exist from day one till we retire.
Remarks that salary increases have led to this seems based on lack of know-how about the business. The oil companies have downsised drilling activities in both the UK and Norway. I believe no one in his right mind would claim that this is related to the less than 1 % of field operating cost of helicopter transportation/shuttle/SAR.
It is imperative that both we as employees, management and owners alike stay cool till the tide turns. Remember: "Tough times never last, tough people do."
As far as LIFO, this seems the only fair way to deal with redundancies. The long term loyalty of the employee should be rewarded by increased job security as time goes by and you move up the seniority list. Even if I am a younger pilot, I fully support the seniority system, and hope to be supported by it one day, if push comes to shove.
Best of luck to North Sea colleagues in BHL!
