Guys,
A lot has been written recently about BHA's pilots and their push to increase salaries and improve their conditions significantly - a lot of it (as usual) has been rubbish and / or pure conjecture.
The Pilot Committee, and more importantly the Pilot Body, from the start had a very strong case to push and a realistic agenda was set. The arguments for were compelling and undeniable. Most importantly, the pilots DID (and continue to) stick together. The pilots that make up the present BHA contingent are a completely different lot than the one's that voted on the 2004 EBA.
It does indeed appear that a deal has at last been brokered. Despite the case put forward, it did take a lot of work from a number of individuals, particularly our PC Chairman. His work on this cannot be underestimated and in a very significant way, may have improved the lot for a number of helicopter pilots in the immediate future, not just at Bristows. If you fly off-shore in Oz, you want to find out who this guy is and shake his hand.
The 30% has largely been achieved (effective from Sep 08) and a number of other intiatives have also been made including an increase to the middle bracket of DTAs for all CAPTs and SFOs. This is a major achievement. Under the proposed arrangements, a year 8 CAPT will be on approx $155,000 when all DTAs are grossed up. Whilst it's not the same as a Qantas 747 CAPT, anyone who thinks they're even remotely similar clearly needs their head checked.
Perhaps far more importantly, it sets an agenda for future EBAs. The future potentially looks v good for helo drivers, particularly in the off-shore sector. However, the lessons to come out of BHAs 2008 EBA negotiations should be heeded by all. The money is there, the demand is there but the supply is not. Provided a strong case is put forward and the guys support their respective committees and stick together, a good result can be obtained.
All that is required now is for the BHA EBA draft to be finalised, disseminated and then voted on. With the PC's endorsement, it would appear the deal is all but sewn up.
Well done to all involved.
P68
