Scotia
CHC update on UK pilots negotiations and strike ballot
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Oct. 31 /CNW/ - CHC Helicopter Corporation ("CHC") (TSE: FLY.A - news and FLY.B - news; NASDAQ: FLYA; advises that the strike ballot conducted by BALPA, the union representing 149 of the 209 pilots employed by CHC's UK operating subsidiary, CHC Scotia Limited, was concluded today. Of 149 pilots represented by BALPA, a total of 138 votes were cast, with 109 unionized pilots voting to authorize strike action at a future date and 29 voting against. Accordingly, 73% of the unionized pilot work force, but only some 52% of CHC Scotia's total pilot work force, have given a mandate to strike if the union decides to do so.
As previously advised, no withdrawal of services is permitted under UK law except after a 7 days formal written notice to CHC Scotia that strike action may be initiated; this strike mandate expires 28 days after completion of the strike vote (today).
In calling the strike vote a month ago, BALPA advised it was doing so in order to have CHC Scotia present a further, improved offer. CHC Scotia maintains that its current offer of salary increments over three years is very fair to its pilots in the existing market and represents a significant commitment from the employer.
CHC Scotia has offered to resume negotiations through an independent mediator, in order to facilitate a meaningful exchange of positions and to enhance the likelihood of settlement without a withdrawal of services. At this point, CHC Scotia is strongly of the view that third party assistance is necessary to achieve a mutually satisfactory resolution of this dispute. BALPA has not accepted mediation, but has indicated it would let members decide on the resumption of talks with a mediator.
CHC reiterates that its final offer of increased salary and pension benefits over the next three years is exceedingly fair to its pilot work force, as compared to others in the same profession worldwide and also to fixed wing pilots going forward. CHC Scotia is in constant communication with its UK customers on the status of negotiations, and with respect to the recent pressure from BALPA. CHC does not anticipate that this threat of industrial action will have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
CHC Helicopter Corporation, through its subsidiaries and investments, is a leading provider of helicopter transportation services to the oil and gas industry, with a combined fleet of 324 helicopters operating in 21 countries, and more than 2,300 employees worldwide.
This press release and management's discussion and analysis may contain projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbour" provision of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these projections and other statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, factors detailed in CHC's Annual Report on Form 20-F and in other filings with the United States SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Oct. 31 /CNW/ - CHC Helicopter Corporation ("CHC") (TSE: FLY.A - news and FLY.B - news; NASDAQ: FLYA; advises that the strike ballot conducted by BALPA, the union representing 149 of the 209 pilots employed by CHC's UK operating subsidiary, CHC Scotia Limited, was concluded today. Of 149 pilots represented by BALPA, a total of 138 votes were cast, with 109 unionized pilots voting to authorize strike action at a future date and 29 voting against. Accordingly, 73% of the unionized pilot work force, but only some 52% of CHC Scotia's total pilot work force, have given a mandate to strike if the union decides to do so.
As previously advised, no withdrawal of services is permitted under UK law except after a 7 days formal written notice to CHC Scotia that strike action may be initiated; this strike mandate expires 28 days after completion of the strike vote (today).
In calling the strike vote a month ago, BALPA advised it was doing so in order to have CHC Scotia present a further, improved offer. CHC Scotia maintains that its current offer of salary increments over three years is very fair to its pilots in the existing market and represents a significant commitment from the employer.
CHC Scotia has offered to resume negotiations through an independent mediator, in order to facilitate a meaningful exchange of positions and to enhance the likelihood of settlement without a withdrawal of services. At this point, CHC Scotia is strongly of the view that third party assistance is necessary to achieve a mutually satisfactory resolution of this dispute. BALPA has not accepted mediation, but has indicated it would let members decide on the resumption of talks with a mediator.
CHC reiterates that its final offer of increased salary and pension benefits over the next three years is exceedingly fair to its pilot work force, as compared to others in the same profession worldwide and also to fixed wing pilots going forward. CHC Scotia is in constant communication with its UK customers on the status of negotiations, and with respect to the recent pressure from BALPA. CHC does not anticipate that this threat of industrial action will have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
CHC Helicopter Corporation, through its subsidiaries and investments, is a leading provider of helicopter transportation services to the oil and gas industry, with a combined fleet of 324 helicopters operating in 21 countries, and more than 2,300 employees worldwide.
This press release and management's discussion and analysis may contain projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbour" provision of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these projections and other statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, factors detailed in CHC's Annual Report on Form 20-F and in other filings with the United States SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mmm. 80% doesn't look so good in the light of the CHC numbers.
On the other hand, if 50% of the total workforce walk off the job, even for a day or two at a time, it'll cause them ever escalating problems.
On the other hand, if 50% of the total workforce walk off the job, even for a day or two at a time, it'll cause them ever escalating problems.
Join Date: May 1999
Location: UK
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best of luck boys & girls, any stike action will be over in a couple of days (if it happens at all) as the effect it will have offshore will be quickly felt. Now if the Bristows pilots come onboard (and I hope they will, its in their interest as well) a good deal will be found, but it will not make up for the years of poor pay and awful rosters. Maybe - with sensible pay & conditions pilots might be attracted back into the industry again 
Guest
Posts: n/a
Semirigid rotor
While in no doubt that Bristow pilots are very much in support for Scotia's forthcoming action, the Conservative Government put in place laws which prevent "secondary picketing". This effectively means that if they come out in support of Scotia, they are in breach of their own contract and could lose their job. Secondary action is now illegal in the UK.
While in no doubt that Bristow pilots are very much in support for Scotia's forthcoming action, the Conservative Government put in place laws which prevent "secondary picketing". This effectively means that if they come out in support of Scotia, they are in breach of their own contract and could lose their job. Secondary action is now illegal in the UK.
The above are correct in that we at bristow can not 'come out in support' of Scotia but I don't see that being too much of an issue as we can barely crew our own flights !
Understand you had a meeting on Thursday night to discuss what action would be taken - Any outcome ?
Understand you had a meeting on Thursday night to discuss what action would be taken - Any outcome ?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The result of the meeting was that the company was given notice of strike action and another chance to sit down and clarify the pension stuff (if I remember what the P&J said correctly).
As to secondary action by Bristows being illegal, it is, but 'Argh! My back!' isn't...
As to secondary action by Bristows being illegal, it is, but 'Argh! My back!' isn't...
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BHL pension 'Flushed' Scotia watch your 6!
Wait for the dust to settle, (Scotia aircrew take note, you could be next!) but it appears that the BHL CEO & management team have shafted those members of the final salary scheme pension (not even used KY).
Word is that it is history soon.
This is the price for the misguided loyalty those staff member showed by voting for the new pay deal. Yes, yes, the increase in pensionable pay went up and there was a merge rise on top. Also management looked good in front of the oil companies etc etc. But they failed to mention that they planned to flush the final salary scheme down the pan. Very under handed & two faced.
Only good point, all those very senior staff members in management positions that have only a few years employment left, will no doubt make this a ‘bloody’ fight. As they along with everyone else affected have much to lose.
Perhaps there will be ‘Industrial action’ after all in the near future on the North Sea. This time try to vote YES. Loyalty is out dated, management has shown you that, so learn from it.
Perhaps you will wake up and find it all a bad dream?
Word is that it is history soon.
This is the price for the misguided loyalty those staff member showed by voting for the new pay deal. Yes, yes, the increase in pensionable pay went up and there was a merge rise on top. Also management looked good in front of the oil companies etc etc. But they failed to mention that they planned to flush the final salary scheme down the pan. Very under handed & two faced.
Only good point, all those very senior staff members in management positions that have only a few years employment left, will no doubt make this a ‘bloody’ fight. As they along with everyone else affected have much to lose.
Perhaps there will be ‘Industrial action’ after all in the near future on the North Sea. This time try to vote YES. Loyalty is out dated, management has shown you that, so learn from it.
Perhaps you will wake up and find it all a bad dream?
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: North Sea and elsewhere
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nothing would suprise me but on what basis do you say that BHL "have shafted" the members of the FS scheme. You imply it has already happened. If you are a scheme member, I would be asking questions of your scheme trustees. Does BHL FS pension scheme have member elected trustees or are they all management appointed?
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Scotch Land
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One could say that BHL "have shafted" the members of the FS scheme, if it is their intention not to contribute the required funds to it in light of the recent large increase in pensionable pay by converting allowances (but pathetic overall increase).
I believe that the BHL FS pension scheme has a couple of member elected trustees? But is the final say with them? I doubt it....this is more like an OLOG based idea to those on the end of the string on the pensions board.
Hopefully the company will promulgate some rumour busting news soon. Any jobs going at Scotia?? We at BHL almost work for free anyway.........!
I believe that the BHL FS pension scheme has a couple of member elected trustees? But is the final say with them? I doubt it....this is more like an OLOG based idea to those on the end of the string on the pensions board.
Hopefully the company will promulgate some rumour busting news soon. Any jobs going at Scotia?? We at BHL almost work for free anyway.........!
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: North Sea and elsewhere
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crabette, I agree, the trustees have no say. All they can do is try and manage the fund that the Company allows them to have. There are legal nets which will stop the fund becoming underfunded but at the end of the day, if the employer doesn't want to support the pension fund he can pull the plug completely. Unfortunately with both BHL's and Scotia's owners coming from across the pond where they don't like FS pension schemes, both UK managements will be put under severe pressure to cut their liabilities. This unfortunately will do nothing for the skills retention (and aquisition) problem. I would still like to hear more from NRDK on how reliable his information is.
Why blame the other side of the pond? It's our side of the pond that loves to be shafted.
Unfortunately it will divide the workforce even more in the prospect of future payrises about to be discussed. Just another carrot dangling in front of all to simple pilots.
What a sad story.
Unfortunately it will divide the workforce even more in the prospect of future payrises about to be discussed. Just another carrot dangling in front of all to simple pilots.
What a sad story.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Perhaps ‘History’ was not quite the right word to have used just yet. (Hope you old heart is beating again?) After all the paper work to the staff hasn’t reached the notice boards to prove me wrong completely (I hope that’s the case).
Maybe……‘Undergo some changes & not for the better’, at least not for those who hoped to have the pension they contracted into when joining the company. Changes that were not mentioned when staff were briefed by management on WHY we should accept the pay negotiation.
But the writing is on the wall, the FS pension scheme will eventually be ……..?? This ‘possible’ unwillingness by the Company to fully fund the scheme is surely the precursor to it’s end.
Time will tell and don’t be surprised if the other side of the pond has had a helping hand in the push away from the FS pension scheme. 401K and all that.
[ 16 November 2001: Message edited by: NRDK ]
Maybe……‘Undergo some changes & not for the better’, at least not for those who hoped to have the pension they contracted into when joining the company. Changes that were not mentioned when staff were briefed by management on WHY we should accept the pay negotiation.
But the writing is on the wall, the FS pension scheme will eventually be ……..?? This ‘possible’ unwillingness by the Company to fully fund the scheme is surely the precursor to it’s end.
Time will tell and don’t be surprised if the other side of the pond has had a helping hand in the push away from the FS pension scheme. 401K and all that.
[ 16 November 2001: Message edited by: NRDK ]
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: North Sea and elsewhere
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
THE CHOPPER shouldn't get angry - stay calm and do your best to ensure negotiations stay sensible. At Scotia, a formula has been found to allow a significant payrise but not hazard the pension fund. The proposal is that only 2.5% per annum of the pilots' latest pay rise deal or RPI whichever is higher (plus normal increment and promotion advances) will be pensionable under the FS scheme; the rest is pensionable under the Money Purchase scheme. On the face of it, this protects the scheme for ALL final salary scheme members. When Bond & Brintel merged, we all thought that the FS scheme would be very vulnerable. So far, every indication from UK management is that it will survive. Management have agreed to allow BALPA financial experts to look at the schemes to help ensure their longevity (sp?). Having said that, there are severe pressures from across the pond. BHL staff shouldn't allow their management to browbeat them into submission by using the threat of losing the FS pension scheme. There are ways around protecting the scheme and giving the deserved pay increases. This issue should help unite the workforce not divide it
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cyprus
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At Middle Wallop, with many members in the Pension scheme we feel a bit out on a limb. Our Management, themselves members of the scheme, are happy to bury their heads in the sand, but some aircrew and many engineers are writing to the Company Chairman to ask questions. Several of us are within a year of retirement - Does anyone know what the implications are of taking early retirement in the next three months?
I was under the impression that if you were in a FS scheme and the company decided to scrap this in favour of something else, then the new scheme was for new employees. Existing employees stayed with the FS scheme.
This was the case with my father and his company.
This was the case with my father and his company.