Cost of Living and inflation, 22/23 & 23/24.
 

With regards to the U.K. It seems every industry is striking bar our own. From the offshore O&G workforce to the NHS, Teaching, Rail, Royal Mail, it seems every industry is at it.

I’m a little out the loop these days but how have the 4 main operators in Aberdeen responded to the current cost of living crisis? I was reading just last night that the NHS and Teaching unions have stood firm and secured 10-20% pay awards over the 22/23 23/24 awards. There have been some double digit awards across the O&G sector too.

It’s strange as I’ve heard nothing about aviation, is it post pandemic relief (glad to have a job so keep quiet and count yourself lucky) or is our industry weak at the knees with regards to asking for better pay and conditions?

I appreciate no one enjoys talking much about finances but with the current cost of living crisis, our salaries are going nowhere near as far as they used to do.

Are Bristow, CHC, NHV and OHS keeping up with inflation? Are Unions involved trying to better pay and conditions for its members? Are there any talks of strike actions in either of the Pilot or Engineering Unions or is it just regarded as acceptable to let pay decline by 10-20% in real terms?

Going on strike while your customer is on strike seems a day late and dollar short.

Would seem waiting till they get a settlement and go back to work THEN the bottom feeders in food chain argue for a Contract increase due inflation and pass it along to the employees even if it requires a walkout by the aviation employees.

Hard to argue a rate increase when you have just done the exact same for your own staff seems to me.

Ideally, the Operators work a deal with the O and G companies without need for a walkout by their employees.

I was talking to CP of major for profit HAA operator in USA recently and he told me his top earner hit $250k last year. I suspect there wasn't much time off there and a hell of a lot of OT, but this what's happening across the pond.

O&G pilots are traditionally ‘weak kneed’. It’s not in their nature to bite the hand that feeds them and appear quite happy to use up any good faith and professional standing to allow the employer to extract the urine at every conceivable turn. It’s the flip side of having a ‘can do’ attitude! Employer knows that pilot/engineer has forked out a fortune to get to where they are and leverage that precarious position by encouraging an environment of fear and subservience.
However, there looks to be an element of ‘supply and demand’ creeping in to both the pilot and engineer employment situation with the ‘lighter’ operators finding it increasingly difficult to fill positions now that the oft’ relied upon ‘pool’ of newbies is drying up; coupled with more and more ex-newbies now finding better T&Cs/conditions elsewhere now they have some hours under their belts and choosing to leave. Bristow have recognised this and great to see their Helicentre arrangement keeping the tap flowing.
The situation is so desperate for one operator that an unsolicited wage increase has been offered - a complete reversal of recent events. Very ‘telling’ but can’t help think that the damage has been done. Great position for employees but can’t help thinking of which pot of money is going to be targeted - especially if operating on a shoestring is their only USP.

UK Instructor pay hasn't increased in 15 years.

EESDL, You are 100% spot on with that post. There is a qualified helicopter pilot shortage across the industry, onshore and offshore. Offshore, shall we carry on being ever flexible, giving more, while we work for the companies with obscene profits laughing all the way to the bank? It's about time the operators grew a set and instead of racing to the bottom, start heading up the other way! Of course, this will require less weak knee'd pilots to take a stand, and give the management someone to blame for having to increase our rates? Even if it is just no more availability of overtime. Or, shall we wait until the next oil price crash and think we should have grown a pair way before now?
I notice in the USA pay increasing rapidly and large sign on bonuses? We are lagging far behind!
B.

There may be a 'shortage' but all onshore operators still require the correct type rating to be held (A109 etc), and the relevant experience (HEMS, sling, VIP, Survey, ex-mil, P1 multi hours, xx hours on type etc)

And while people are willing to buy their own type ratings, or work for free, nothing will change.

I know of Captains of exec jets earning 6k/month GBP 10 years ago and are now on 4500GBP today!!! That is all gross! The peak of one's career eh?

I'd move to the US in a heartbeat, helicopter industry here in Germany is laughable if you don't fly HEMS or have 50 K for the IR-H to go offshore.