from Rotorhub.com:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Rotorhub/D...e-a5ef86b57f89
OPEIU Union disputes PHI claims as competitors provide aerial photos of grounded fleet
New Iberia, LA, 25 September 2006. The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 108 reported today that it affirms the accuracy of its previous announcements. PHI, Inc. reported in its September 22, 2006 press release that the union had made numerous false public statements regarding the company’s flight activity. The company goes on to claim that it has completed 80% of its normal flight volume. “It is ludicrous for the company to believe that the public will accept that its operations are near normal when 80% of its fleet sits tied to the ramp,” said local 108 president, Steve Ragin. Aerial photos provided to the union by the company’s competitors show 80% of the PHI fleet tied to the ramps.
“Support for our struggle continues to flow in from around the world,” said Ragin. “Support includes financial aid for our ‘strike and welfare’ fund as well as copies of letters and emails that are being sent to the company. The company continues its campaign of intimidation and illegal behavior against a workforce that has done nothing other than perform their jobs in a manner expected of the professionals that they are,” he added. Local 108’s strike is now in its sixth day.
Local 108 represents the domestic pilots of PHI, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHII) formerly Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. The company operates helicopters in support of offshore petroleum exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico and Air Medical transportation services nationwide through its subsidiary, AirEvac Services and its PHI Air Medical business division.
For the most current information regarding Local 108 visit our website at local108pilots.org.