Butch
4th Feb 2003, 01:13
Labor leaders representing helicopter pilot associations in Europe and the US recently met in New Orleans, LA. The meeting was hosted by the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association (PHPA), an affiliate of OPEIU, which represents more than 1500 pilots in the US and abroad. Assistance was also provided by the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (representing more than 100,000 pilots worldwide). This was an important step towards bringing together helicopter pilots from around the world for cooperation and mutual assistance. On the agenda were the following issues:
* Cooperation and solidarity between helicopter pilots worldwide:
* Working conditions:
* Safety; many improvements are needed to reach acceptable safety levels for passengers and pilots.
* Benefits and wages:
Dr. John McGurk of the British Airline Pilots Association Head of Research and Communication made several presentations on benchmarking of pay and conditions. Short seminars were run on the presentation of data in negotiations and negotiating techniques. Other topics included upcoming pilots contract negotiations at several companies. Amongst relevant matters discussed was the development of an international database of helicopter pilot wages and benefits, safety issues and the impact on the industry of the helicopter pilot shortage.
Also discussed was the formation of international helicopter pilot alliances which would mirror the structure of the multi-national operators and build on the vast experience our airline colleagues have already acquired.
Others in attendance were:
Petter Førde - President Norwegian ALPA
Sigurd O. Løkholm - General Secretary Norwegian ALPA.
Olav Bastiansen - President CHC Helikopter Service Pilots Association of Norway.
Butch Grafton - President PHPA
Ron Whitney - Vice President PHPA
Jack Bower - Secretary/Treasurer PHPA
Ken Bruner - President PHPA Local 107 (Air Log)
Pete Catalano - Negotiator PHPA Local 107 (Air Log)
Don Robson - Negotiator PHPA Local 107 (Air Log)
Mick Brade Principle Negotiator BALPA
Dave Hogg Balpa IFALPA Director
Steve Ragin - President PHPA Local 108 (PHI)
Jeff Rusich - Organizer OPEIU
Paul Bohelski - Negotiator OPEIU
Questions should be directed to Butch Grafton 334-790-4417 [email protected] or the PHPA office 504-779-5201 [email protected]
* Cooperation and solidarity between helicopter pilots worldwide:
* Working conditions:
* Safety; many improvements are needed to reach acceptable safety levels for passengers and pilots.
* Benefits and wages:
Dr. John McGurk of the British Airline Pilots Association Head of Research and Communication made several presentations on benchmarking of pay and conditions. Short seminars were run on the presentation of data in negotiations and negotiating techniques. Other topics included upcoming pilots contract negotiations at several companies. Amongst relevant matters discussed was the development of an international database of helicopter pilot wages and benefits, safety issues and the impact on the industry of the helicopter pilot shortage.
Also discussed was the formation of international helicopter pilot alliances which would mirror the structure of the multi-national operators and build on the vast experience our airline colleagues have already acquired.
Others in attendance were:
Petter Førde - President Norwegian ALPA
Sigurd O. Løkholm - General Secretary Norwegian ALPA.
Olav Bastiansen - President CHC Helikopter Service Pilots Association of Norway.
Butch Grafton - President PHPA
Ron Whitney - Vice President PHPA
Jack Bower - Secretary/Treasurer PHPA
Ken Bruner - President PHPA Local 107 (Air Log)
Pete Catalano - Negotiator PHPA Local 107 (Air Log)
Don Robson - Negotiator PHPA Local 107 (Air Log)
Mick Brade Principle Negotiator BALPA
Dave Hogg Balpa IFALPA Director
Steve Ragin - President PHPA Local 108 (PHI)
Jeff Rusich - Organizer OPEIU
Paul Bohelski - Negotiator OPEIU
Questions should be directed to Butch Grafton 334-790-4417 [email protected] or the PHPA office 504-779-5201 [email protected]