BALPA
In response to Droopystop's original post: I also was not a great fan of unions but with the quality of management in the North Sea at the moment, pilots need all the support they can get!
The current problems at Bristow would be far worse were it not for the intervention of BALPA.
If a company wants to make pilots redundant, they will! It is the union's job to try to mitigate the numbers and secure the best deal for those unlucky enough to still be chopped. But no matter how good the negotiators are, progress can only be made IF the company wants it. At Bristow, the real reason for the redundancies is to force those threatened for go to Nigeria, accepting a huge pay cut just to get shot at or kidnapped!
If you are lucky enough to work for an 'enlightened' employer, you may not need BALPA's help. If you are like the rest of us, you need all the help you can get!!