O&G pilots are traditionally ‘weak kneed’. It’s not in their nature to bite the hand that feeds them and appear quite happy to use up any good faith and professional standing to allow the employer to extract the urine at every conceivable turn. It’s the flip side of having a ‘can do’ attitude! Employer knows that pilot/engineer has forked out a fortune to get to where they are and leverage that precarious position by encouraging an environment of fear and subservience.
However, there looks to be an element of ‘supply and demand’ creeping in to both the pilot and engineer employment situation with the ‘lighter’ operators finding it increasingly difficult to fill positions now that the oft’ relied upon ‘pool’ of newbies is drying up; coupled with more and more ex-newbies now finding better T&Cs/conditions elsewhere now they have some hours under their belts and choosing to leave. Bristow have recognised this and great to see their Helicentre arrangement keeping the tap flowing.
The situation is so desperate for one operator that an unsolicited wage increase has been offered - a complete reversal of recent events. Very ‘telling’ but can’t help think that the damage has been done. Great position for employees but can’t help thinking of which pot of money is going to be targeted - especially if operating on a shoestring is their only USP.