Restructuring plans for CHC Helicopter's North Sea operations have been put in doubt by possible strike action.
Aberdeen, UK-based CHC Scotia plans to subcontract 90 positions to another CHC subsidiary, Astec, to cut overheads. But 27-40% pay rises for pilots have triggered similar demands from operational staff, which now threaten the reorganisation.
The ground workers' union Amicus has balloted members on industrial action after 96.8% of its members rejected CHC Scotia's 3% pay offer. Amicus regional officer Graham Tran says the basic salary offer has to rise "substantially" and that it opposes compulsory overtime clauses. Amicus says it is confident Astec will honour CHC Scotia employee rights.
CHC Scotia managing director Neil Calvert says the measures were taken to make the company more competitive in light of market conditions. Greater use of unmanned platforms, quick-rotation crewing and rigs sharing helicopter operations has led to a drop in demand for North Sea helicopter operations.
Source: Flight International
