Captain Catastrophe
The threat of Union recognition for Bristow has been around since 1977. The Company has always resisted until now, and has probably given in due to new European Laws which have come into force.
In Bristow, a reasonably cosy relationship existed between the company and BALPA for a number of years, particularly during the late 80s and early 90s. Providing Bristow treated the crews lawfully, BALPA were not really keen to get involved, that was the unspoken agreement. "Just do it by the book" was the union's mentality. When Bristow couldn't or wouldn't give an RPI payrise on a couple of occasions, BALPA were counselled ,the situation explained and the deal done before the staff even knew that they weren't going to get an increase.
I therefore stand by my comments that BALPA have been lap dogs.
It has taken BALPA 22 years to achieve recognition in Bristow. Surely, a more responsible and active union with the membership levels which have existed within Bristow for the past 15 years would have, could have and should have done more to achieve recognition. I suppose some of the blame lies at the hands of the ultra right wing, anti-union Thatcher Government, but BALPA should still accept some of the blame.
BALPA should, for once, stand up for their membership and show an interest in helicopter pilots. I WOULD probably still pay my subscriptions if I was working the North Sea because there is not much alternative, but I would be strongly urging BALPA to achieve some results after 22 years of collecting my money and doing too little.
I am not foolish enough to assume that there is a magic wand solution, I have a working knowledge of unions because luckily, here in Oz, they are recognised and actually stand up for the interests of their members while adopting a responsible approach. Some companies, including Lloyd have managed to have a reasonable working relationship with the unions here.
Bristow, however, have always fought the union and have lost every case they have taken on against the Pilots Federation. That's what I call standing up for your members and BALPA could learn something from it. The system isn't perfect but it is better than UK.