Both OLOG/Bristow and CHC/Scotia will raise rates in the near future. CHC have a HUGE debt to service and OLOG/Bristow are losing money. Rates may go up but don't expect it to flow on to crew wages and conditions, it won't. Bristow have now recognised the union (BALPA) but it is BALPA who are lap dogs to the helicopter companies. There has been no action by crews because BALPA probably won't back them.
So the situation is that you've got lap dog helicopter companies in bed with a lap dog union and its the crews who continually get the baseball bat where it hurts.
I wonder if BALPA are really the best union to represent the NS pilots. After all, they've done NOTHING to improve their members' pay and conditions for many years.
So, basically, nothing will happen until market forces dictate that wages rise and conditions improve. I'm just glad that I'm not there any more. I'm not selfish, just very fortunate, and I whloeheartedly support the North Sea Pilots in their continuing strife.