Pilots who went on strike let go by PHI
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Voting on the company's "last and best offer" would have been a tremendous waste of time. It would have taken at least a couple of weeks, likely more, and it would have been overwhelmingly voted down. There was absolutely no chance of it being ratified. Those calling for a vote simply wanted to delay the inevitable. CHC&Proud has it right - those who voted for strike authorization and then got cold feet deserve the names they are and will be called. There will be some cold cockpits when this is over.
Hiring 500 hour pilots won't fill the void for PHI. There are fewer small ships in service every month, and more and more medium and heavy ships. 500-hour former Robbie drivers simply cannot be promoted to S92 or S76 PICs overnight. All the oil companies require much more time and experience for IFR PICs. PHI has plenty of 206 pilots, but even placing new hires into SIC positions hasn't made a dent in the medium/heavy shortage. I've been flying with lots of SICs with less than a year with the company, and while they're mostly competent SICs, they're a long way from being able to act as an IFR PIC. They're still learning to do normal approaches to rigs, and boat landings scare them to death. They'll get there, eventually, but not this year.
Hiring 500 hour pilots won't fill the void for PHI. There are fewer small ships in service every month, and more and more medium and heavy ships. 500-hour former Robbie drivers simply cannot be promoted to S92 or S76 PICs overnight. All the oil companies require much more time and experience for IFR PICs. PHI has plenty of 206 pilots, but even placing new hires into SIC positions hasn't made a dent in the medium/heavy shortage. I've been flying with lots of SICs with less than a year with the company, and while they're mostly competent SICs, they're a long way from being able to act as an IFR PIC. They're still learning to do normal approaches to rigs, and boat landings scare them to death. They'll get there, eventually, but not this year.
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Final Offer
<sigh>
As we have posted so many times on other forums, their offer was incomplete. Please read this again, their offer was incomplete. PHI did give a last and final offer on Pay and on Bonuses but many important issues remain open. We cannot present something like this to our members. Their excuse was 'it doesn't really matter, if we cannot agree on pay.'
Well, yes it does matter. Pay and bonuses at any level are useless unless you have the legal framework to guarantee them. Please ask PHI what it is that they want you to vote on. I sure don't know...
I am convinced there was no agreement to be had.
As we have posted so many times on other forums, their offer was incomplete. Please read this again, their offer was incomplete. PHI did give a last and final offer on Pay and on Bonuses but many important issues remain open. We cannot present something like this to our members. Their excuse was 'it doesn't really matter, if we cannot agree on pay.'
Well, yes it does matter. Pay and bonuses at any level are useless unless you have the legal framework to guarantee them. Please ask PHI what it is that they want you to vote on. I sure don't know...
I am convinced there was no agreement to be had.
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Tmflyer:
>However since the terms of the Last Offer apparently were favorable
>enough so that 'many'? pilots voted to accept them 'with their feet'
>as new terms of employment, I see Aclark's question as very germane…..
Well Sir, I beg to differ. Two of the New Mexico pilots quit the union prior to us receiving any new salary and benefits information. Another quit because he felt he wasn’t getting timely or pertinent information from the union. And the last one decided he wouldn’t strike “because the bible told him not to”, so he quit as well after telling me it wasn’t about the money (the money he would make working over). The last pilot was unsupportive of the union even though he was a member. I don’t know when he quit ref the information package we received. Not one of these pilots voiced an opinion one way or the other as to the package offered up by the company, some not even having seen it.
If this is any indication, pilots are just fearful of loosing their jobs – just the mindset the company wants them in as evidenced by the paperwork (via FedEx no less – how much does that cost, times hundreds of pilots?) that seems to be coming to my door.
Respectfully,
Ron Powell
PHI Air Medical
Albuquerque NM
>However since the terms of the Last Offer apparently were favorable
>enough so that 'many'? pilots voted to accept them 'with their feet'
>as new terms of employment, I see Aclark's question as very germane…..
Well Sir, I beg to differ. Two of the New Mexico pilots quit the union prior to us receiving any new salary and benefits information. Another quit because he felt he wasn’t getting timely or pertinent information from the union. And the last one decided he wouldn’t strike “because the bible told him not to”, so he quit as well after telling me it wasn’t about the money (the money he would make working over). The last pilot was unsupportive of the union even though he was a member. I don’t know when he quit ref the information package we received. Not one of these pilots voiced an opinion one way or the other as to the package offered up by the company, some not even having seen it.
If this is any indication, pilots are just fearful of loosing their jobs – just the mindset the company wants them in as evidenced by the paperwork (via FedEx no less – how much does that cost, times hundreds of pilots?) that seems to be coming to my door.
Respectfully,
Ron Powell
PHI Air Medical
Albuquerque NM
Braver Men Than Me!
Two Sikorsky and One FSI pilot flying S-92's for PHI during the strike?
Are they conducting training or flying Line Trips hauling passengers?
Seems odd that Flight Safety International would violate their own strictly enforced policy about FSI pilots flying for any operator much less one that undergoing a strike!
I cannot wait for Sim training after the strike and that FSI guy is assigned to do the PHI training. After all he would be the best pick by FSI to do the training being line current.
Are they conducting training or flying Line Trips hauling passengers?
Seems odd that Flight Safety International would violate their own strictly enforced policy about FSI pilots flying for any operator much less one that undergoing a strike!
I cannot wait for Sim training after the strike and that FSI guy is assigned to do the PHI training. After all he would be the best pick by FSI to do the training being line current.
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My understanding is that the Sikorsky pilots are flying the line in the S92. I'm not sure if the FSI pilot is in the 92 or the 76.
My recollection is that the FSI pilot was working part-time for FSI when I was there for S92 training. I'd guess if you'd press FSI about it they'd say he's working part-time for PHI too, and they have nothing to do with it. I'm not buying it...
It may be a similar arrangement for the Sikorsky pilots too. I'm not buying that either. There's only one name for such people. We'll apply it liberally.
For the rest, thank you very much for the support.
My recollection is that the FSI pilot was working part-time for FSI when I was there for S92 training. I'd guess if you'd press FSI about it they'd say he's working part-time for PHI too, and they have nothing to do with it. I'm not buying it...
It may be a similar arrangement for the Sikorsky pilots too. I'm not buying that either. There's only one name for such people. We'll apply it liberally.
For the rest, thank you very much for the support.
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Busybodies....
For now, all pilots in the North Sea who attends simulator training on the S92A and the S76-series do so at FSI.
More than 90 % of the pilots are members of pilot unions which cooperate with OPEIU and the Local unions in PHI, AirLog, LSSI and Air Methods.
In what some americans perceive as the old and irrelevant part of the world called Europe it is at best considered a nuisance and uncivilized behaviour to interfer with lawfaul industrial action.
Many North Sea pilots will be shocked to find out that Sikorsky factory pilots as well as FSI are conducting themselves this way.
Hopefully it is all a misunderstanding, based on lack of communication.
More than 90 % of the pilots are members of pilot unions which cooperate with OPEIU and the Local unions in PHI, AirLog, LSSI and Air Methods.
In what some americans perceive as the old and irrelevant part of the world called Europe it is at best considered a nuisance and uncivilized behaviour to interfer with lawfaul industrial action.
Many North Sea pilots will be shocked to find out that Sikorsky factory pilots as well as FSI are conducting themselves this way.
Hopefully it is all a misunderstanding, based on lack of communication.
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Union shows photos of grounded PHI fleet
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.
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.
Non-Union pilot's sentiment
A win at PHI would set a new tone throughout the industry. Things are better in the gulf because of the unions, but they have a long way to go. I just spent the last two hitches offshore in a four man room with two toothless Boudreau dropouts and my mechanic. The mechanic and I were the two lowest paid in the room.
Reports also show ERA is using mandatory overtime and has been doing so for some time. They were having much difficulty meeting MMS Contract requirements since picking up that contract from Air Log.
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What are the pay conditions and holiday entitlement like for these pilots? I’m interested as strike action seems to have been a bit of a shot in your own foot as many have now lost there jobs. I sympathise 
but just wonder if it was necessary.
but just wonder if it was necessary.
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I am a former PHI pilot who now flies for CHC in Ireland. I want to offer our support from the helicopter pilots union in Ireland. 5 years ago we moved to form a union and while the enviroment for such a move is much better in Ireland it was a nervy move for those involved. The results have been very favourable and the terms and conditions of our pilots, and their say in their own affairs have dramatically improved.
When I was at PHI I signed my union card and attended the meetings at the back of various secret hotels. The terms and conditions and the way management treats pilots in GOMEX is a world away from the way it happens here and we still get the job done ok. This is not entirely due to the union but they play a major role.
I am bewildered at the actions of some of the pilots who are strike breaking. They are quite simply idiots. At PHI, I (1700hrs) spent my first week after finishing training based 100 miles offshore and was way out of my depth...I dont think I slept the whole week. I simply would not not ride in the back of an L model with a 500hr pilot up front.
To all the pilots who did not take the soup... stick to your guns and keep your morals. Then you will always have the higher ground.
PS To Jack B...I wont put my name on here but a big hello to you.C.
When I was at PHI I signed my union card and attended the meetings at the back of various secret hotels. The terms and conditions and the way management treats pilots in GOMEX is a world away from the way it happens here and we still get the job done ok. This is not entirely due to the union but they play a major role.
I am bewildered at the actions of some of the pilots who are strike breaking. They are quite simply idiots. At PHI, I (1700hrs) spent my first week after finishing training based 100 miles offshore and was way out of my depth...I dont think I slept the whole week. I simply would not not ride in the back of an L model with a 500hr pilot up front.
To all the pilots who did not take the soup... stick to your guns and keep your morals. Then you will always have the higher ground.
PS To Jack B...I wont put my name on here but a big hello to you.C.
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Reports also show ERA is using mandatory overtime and has been doing so for some time. They were having much difficulty meeting MMS Contract requirements since picking up that contract from Air Log.
Gatvol
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"I just spent the last two hitches offshore in a four man room with two toothless Boudreau dropouts and my mechanic. The mechanic and I were the two lowest paid in the room. "
This comment, although hilarious, is indicative of the Helicopter Industry from a Pilots standpoint.
Just about everyone who gets in the aircraft is financially better off than the Pilot. Many will say, well get another job.. Dont think thats the answer.
My sympathies go either way sometimes but the remark reminds me that I should support the Pilots.
I see it everyday in the tour industry. the guy in the next aircraft is making as much as I am, and hes a couple months from doing CFI stuff in a Robbie. Company policy is "If We keep them six months to a year we are happy"
Not whining as I am covered, just an example of what many here have to look forward too.
This comment, although hilarious, is indicative of the Helicopter Industry from a Pilots standpoint.
Just about everyone who gets in the aircraft is financially better off than the Pilot. Many will say, well get another job.. Dont think thats the answer.
My sympathies go either way sometimes but the remark reminds me that I should support the Pilots.
I see it everyday in the tour industry. the guy in the next aircraft is making as much as I am, and hes a couple months from doing CFI stuff in a Robbie. Company policy is "If We keep them six months to a year we are happy"
Not whining as I am covered, just an example of what many here have to look forward too.
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Good luck to all the OPEIU pilots of PHI in your attempts to get a better deal. If you succeed you'll offer hope and encouragement to all those of us suffering cr*p pay and conditions everywhere. I hope you succeed, because if you do it will send a loud and clear message to pilots that union action can win a fairer deal and to managements that unfair action against unions is not the way to go. As always, jaw, jaw is better than war, war. 
Strikers rally at PHI HQ's
About 125 Strikers and supporters conducted a rally outside the PHI Main Office iin Lafayette. Union officials said that was approximately one third of the number of pilots on strike.
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E-mail to PHI management from EMS King Air 200 pilot in Norway
Having seen the way PHI is treating its pilots I personally will never seek employment with your company. Furthermore I will recommend to any pilot I know considering applying for employment at PHI to look elsewhere. Today there are many, many employment opportunities available with companies which treat their pilots fairly. It is a shame PHI is no longer one of those.
This message will most assuredly spread across the industry and PHI will soon be known as the company no one wishes to work for.
The world pilot community is a closely knit family which interconnect and meet everywhere everyday all around the world. Although our Norwegian helicopter pilots, employed in the Airlog - former CHC company Lufttransport, allready has strikken PHI from their list of potential future employers, their influence and opinion reaches broader and deeper than just the Norwegian national level. All Norwegian and European helicopter pilots and their varying unions have closely been monitoring the plight of the pilots of Chapter 108 and their just and fair demands to raise their status to a higher level, more just to their contribution in the chain of profits made in their industry.
If it is your company’s official policy to regard your pilots as the bottom of the barrel, will work for food, a dime a dozen type of employees, we would recommend that this is brought forward and publicized, so we all can adhere accordingly and regard you for what you are; a stepping stone or the last way out in times of no other alternative and no other skill. We’re sure you’ll still get applicants, and in accordance with your pilot policies, that should be a sufficient level of motivation to aim for to man your flights.
If everyone focuses on maximizing profits on the other parts expense – who will win in the end? Sharing the profits might be a more productive long term strategy.
I don’t expect you to care one way or another of our point of view, which of course is your prerogative, but you are now aware of the fact that we are monitoring how your pilots are treated and that this is not a local problem – the world is watching.
This message will most assuredly spread across the industry and PHI will soon be known as the company no one wishes to work for.
The world pilot community is a closely knit family which interconnect and meet everywhere everyday all around the world. Although our Norwegian helicopter pilots, employed in the Airlog - former CHC company Lufttransport, allready has strikken PHI from their list of potential future employers, their influence and opinion reaches broader and deeper than just the Norwegian national level. All Norwegian and European helicopter pilots and their varying unions have closely been monitoring the plight of the pilots of Chapter 108 and their just and fair demands to raise their status to a higher level, more just to their contribution in the chain of profits made in their industry.
If it is your company’s official policy to regard your pilots as the bottom of the barrel, will work for food, a dime a dozen type of employees, we would recommend that this is brought forward and publicized, so we all can adhere accordingly and regard you for what you are; a stepping stone or the last way out in times of no other alternative and no other skill. We’re sure you’ll still get applicants, and in accordance with your pilot policies, that should be a sufficient level of motivation to aim for to man your flights.
If everyone focuses on maximizing profits on the other parts expense – who will win in the end? Sharing the profits might be a more productive long term strategy.
I don’t expect you to care one way or another of our point of view, which of course is your prerogative, but you are now aware of the fact that we are monitoring how your pilots are treated and that this is not a local problem – the world is watching.
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I don't know about you, chc&proud. It seems your rant to PHI management is not very wise. Aren't you "interfering with a strike"? Is your email an attempt to sway a party, and make the outcome go your way? This bold attempt by you to apply outside pressure on the strike is clearly interfering, and seems uncivilized, and is perhaps un-European.
;-)
;-)
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Free speech?
Thank you for showing an interest in the posting, even though
I do not agree with your assumption. In my opinion it is perfectly allowable to support colleagues on strike whether this is done through writing letters of support, posting on pprune, participating in rallies or social activities or similar.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion on an issue. You might present your opinion in writing or verbally. Both in the US and Europe we supposedly have free speech, do we not?
There is a fundamental difference between voicing an opinion like the one posted and performing services for a company which is in the middle of industrial action. This is officially called strike breaking, and is frowned upon worldwide, regardless of skin color, religion, culture or language.
Consequences of participating in strike breaking activities are hard to predict, and will vary, depending on the situation. Still, it is highly recommendable to avoid being classified in this category.
OPEIU, through Local 108 are represented on the the helicopter committee of the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association. Norway presently holds the Chaimanship, and Local 108 the Vice Chairmanship. So, we cooperate with our friends to the best of our ability year round.
The mail in question was signed with the full name and poastal address of the pilot in question. It is one point of view from over here.
I do not agree with your assumption. In my opinion it is perfectly allowable to support colleagues on strike whether this is done through writing letters of support, posting on pprune, participating in rallies or social activities or similar.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion on an issue. You might present your opinion in writing or verbally. Both in the US and Europe we supposedly have free speech, do we not?
There is a fundamental difference between voicing an opinion like the one posted and performing services for a company which is in the middle of industrial action. This is officially called strike breaking, and is frowned upon worldwide, regardless of skin color, religion, culture or language.
Consequences of participating in strike breaking activities are hard to predict, and will vary, depending on the situation. Still, it is highly recommendable to avoid being classified in this category.
OPEIU, through Local 108 are represented on the the helicopter committee of the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association. Norway presently holds the Chaimanship, and Local 108 the Vice Chairmanship. So, we cooperate with our friends to the best of our ability year round.
The mail in question was signed with the full name and poastal address of the pilot in question. It is one point of view from over here.
RJ,
The history of the Gulf of Mexico is not one that the American Helicopter Industry can brag about. The cut throat, under bid your competition to keep them from getting business (no matter the bottom line....market share is all that counts) attitude combined with a "sweat shop" mentality held by all of the old style management worked together to deprive the ground and pilot staff from enjoying proper compensation for the knowledge, skill, and risks they faced in their employment.
That same attitude of doing everything on the cheap prevented necessary infrastructure from being built, safety was ignored, and in general....it was and still remains a miserable place to work.
Throw in the fact, a great number of combat experienced pilots returned from Vietnam in a very short interval drove the wages down as well. The companies capitalized on that and rode rough shod over the people.
Unions finally came to be because of that very obnoxious attitude and treatment by management. Our European brothers not having the burden to way too many pilots and far too few jobs....organized before the GOM guys.
We see many safety innovations and attention to compliance with safety rules that are driven by the unions and not the operators and oil companies.
The Bob Suggs School of Helicopter Management has held back real meaningful progress in the Gulf of Mexico and thus the entire United States. With the creation of unions by the pilots, finally the guys and gals in the cockpit seats are having a seat at the table when safety is being discussed instead of just the operators and vendors.
I for one support the Union in their efforts to raise wages and improve the work environment which translates as a win to all pilots across the country.
I am not a Union pilot and have had management experience in my working career thus I am not a left wing socialist but there comes a time when good men have to take a stand. My greatest hope is the PHI pilots will achieve their goal which in time will go a long way in finally showing the Dinosauers from the Bob Suggs School, that times have changed and they must too.
Thus RJ, since Union Brothers, much like fellow Masons do, stick together in times of crisis.....I would suggest all Union pilots have an interest in this affair....along with every other working pilot in the Industry.
Give'em Hell Guys!
The history of the Gulf of Mexico is not one that the American Helicopter Industry can brag about. The cut throat, under bid your competition to keep them from getting business (no matter the bottom line....market share is all that counts) attitude combined with a "sweat shop" mentality held by all of the old style management worked together to deprive the ground and pilot staff from enjoying proper compensation for the knowledge, skill, and risks they faced in their employment.
That same attitude of doing everything on the cheap prevented necessary infrastructure from being built, safety was ignored, and in general....it was and still remains a miserable place to work.
Throw in the fact, a great number of combat experienced pilots returned from Vietnam in a very short interval drove the wages down as well. The companies capitalized on that and rode rough shod over the people.
Unions finally came to be because of that very obnoxious attitude and treatment by management. Our European brothers not having the burden to way too many pilots and far too few jobs....organized before the GOM guys.
We see many safety innovations and attention to compliance with safety rules that are driven by the unions and not the operators and oil companies.
The Bob Suggs School of Helicopter Management has held back real meaningful progress in the Gulf of Mexico and thus the entire United States. With the creation of unions by the pilots, finally the guys and gals in the cockpit seats are having a seat at the table when safety is being discussed instead of just the operators and vendors.
I for one support the Union in their efforts to raise wages and improve the work environment which translates as a win to all pilots across the country.
I am not a Union pilot and have had management experience in my working career thus I am not a left wing socialist but there comes a time when good men have to take a stand. My greatest hope is the PHI pilots will achieve their goal which in time will go a long way in finally showing the Dinosauers from the Bob Suggs School, that times have changed and they must too.
Thus RJ, since Union Brothers, much like fellow Masons do, stick together in times of crisis.....I would suggest all Union pilots have an interest in this affair....along with every other working pilot in the Industry.
Give'em Hell Guys!
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Pilot Unions Help All Pilots!
I seen this today. It proves Union pay raises make other non-union companys pay better. So much for them that say otherwise.
Letter from management
Author: ERA Date: 9/25/2006 6:26:36 PM
Very interesting letter from Mr. Osborne. Please pay extra attention to the parts I underlined. Keep the faith PHI pilots. You will prevail!
TO: All Era Helicopters Employees
FROM: Neill Osborne
SUBJECT: Comments about the Work Action at Phi
DATE: September 23, 2006
It is with some reluctance that I offer a few words about a competitor’s labor issues. I’m hesitant to discuss the current traumatic situation at Phi only because like most of you, I have many friends within that company that are either not working today or feeling the emotional pain of working while their long term associates are on strike. This is a dilemma that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Let me say once again that Era will continue to do all within its power to remain a union free employer. To me this means offering compensation at the top of our segment of the industry so as to consistently remain competitive with the other major operators. We believe we are doing this and as stated in my last update, we are analyzing the most recent changes to our competitors’ pay levels and will soon announce results of these reviews. Remaining union free also means trying very hard to be totally fair with all that work with us at Era. We want to provide the safest work environment we possibly can as this should be understood to be the highest form of appreciation for our co-workers. New aircraft with the latest safety features and maintenance facilities with the latest in support equipment are two of our major goals, and we are making good progress with both.
Aside from the obvious struggle to ascertain the terms of employment between the pilots and the company, another of the potential results of the labor dispute at Phi will likely be a re-evaluation by some of their customers about contracting for service from a union provider. Era has a number of customers that use our services as well as Phi’s. We are likely to provide services, on a very limited basis, for some of these customers. We all know that we are highly committed already, so we certainly will not have many aircraft to offer but if current customers want to expand their contract with us we are obliged to attempt to comply. Most of us that have worked in the Gulf of Mexico area for some time understand the distinct difference in the service we can provide today as opposed to more stable times a few years ago. Most of our customers know that because of the increase in activity caused by last year’s hurricanes and the increased oil prices, we simply have very few spare aircraft. This situation will likely continue for some time so we must do all we can to maximize availability by having the parts we need when we need them. This is being worked on diligently by supply and maintenance management.
Thanks to each of you for making Era a successful company and thanks for making our company a great place to work.
Author: ERA Date: 9/25/2006 6:26:36 PM
Very interesting letter from Mr. Osborne. Please pay extra attention to the parts I underlined. Keep the faith PHI pilots. You will prevail!
TO: All Era Helicopters Employees
FROM: Neill Osborne
SUBJECT: Comments about the Work Action at Phi
DATE: September 23, 2006
It is with some reluctance that I offer a few words about a competitor’s labor issues. I’m hesitant to discuss the current traumatic situation at Phi only because like most of you, I have many friends within that company that are either not working today or feeling the emotional pain of working while their long term associates are on strike. This is a dilemma that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Let me say once again that Era will continue to do all within its power to remain a union free employer. To me this means offering compensation at the top of our segment of the industry so as to consistently remain competitive with the other major operators. We believe we are doing this and as stated in my last update, we are analyzing the most recent changes to our competitors’ pay levels and will soon announce results of these reviews. Remaining union free also means trying very hard to be totally fair with all that work with us at Era. We want to provide the safest work environment we possibly can as this should be understood to be the highest form of appreciation for our co-workers. New aircraft with the latest safety features and maintenance facilities with the latest in support equipment are two of our major goals, and we are making good progress with both.
Aside from the obvious struggle to ascertain the terms of employment between the pilots and the company, another of the potential results of the labor dispute at Phi will likely be a re-evaluation by some of their customers about contracting for service from a union provider. Era has a number of customers that use our services as well as Phi’s. We are likely to provide services, on a very limited basis, for some of these customers. We all know that we are highly committed already, so we certainly will not have many aircraft to offer but if current customers want to expand their contract with us we are obliged to attempt to comply. Most of us that have worked in the Gulf of Mexico area for some time understand the distinct difference in the service we can provide today as opposed to more stable times a few years ago. Most of our customers know that because of the increase in activity caused by last year’s hurricanes and the increased oil prices, we simply have very few spare aircraft. This situation will likely continue for some time so we must do all we can to maximize availability by having the parts we need when we need them. This is being worked on diligently by supply and maintenance management.
Thanks to each of you for making Era a successful company and thanks for making our company a great place to work.
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SASless,
You mistake my posts as not supporting the strike, which is not correct. Also, you think that I do not support unions as good for worker pay and rights, which is also not correct.
You do this because you think that when I kid chc&proud for his rabid attack on those who continue to work as "interfering with a strike" while he sends money to the strikers as if that were not "interfering with the strike" it is a joke.
The strike is important to pilots everywhere. It is a stong-arm tactic by the pilots to win demands - rightful demands, I think. The silly attitude that it is "uncivilized" for some to walk thru the picket line is as silly as thinking that sending money to the strikers is not interfering.
In this power play, we should support the pilots, because we want the power for all of us, but we shouldn't cloak this power play as some kind of holier-than-thou crap like chc&proud is doing. Is he also acting hatefully to the mechanics who are going to work every day? How about the line crews? How about the union oil workers who are going to work thru those picket lines?
His attitude is a poorly thought one, and that is what I am pounding on!
If fact, aren't you the conservative Republican and basically anti-union, like your beloved party? ;-0
You mistake my posts as not supporting the strike, which is not correct. Also, you think that I do not support unions as good for worker pay and rights, which is also not correct.
You do this because you think that when I kid chc&proud for his rabid attack on those who continue to work as "interfering with a strike" while he sends money to the strikers as if that were not "interfering with the strike" it is a joke.
The strike is important to pilots everywhere. It is a stong-arm tactic by the pilots to win demands - rightful demands, I think. The silly attitude that it is "uncivilized" for some to walk thru the picket line is as silly as thinking that sending money to the strikers is not interfering.
In this power play, we should support the pilots, because we want the power for all of us, but we shouldn't cloak this power play as some kind of holier-than-thou crap like chc&proud is doing. Is he also acting hatefully to the mechanics who are going to work every day? How about the line crews? How about the union oil workers who are going to work thru those picket lines?
His attitude is a poorly thought one, and that is what I am pounding on!
If fact, aren't you the conservative Republican and basically anti-union, like your beloved party? ;-0