North Sea pilots hold vote over strike plan

A TRADE union is balloting North Sea helicopter pilots on strike action over job losses.

More than a third of pilots operating in the area gathered in Aberdeen f or a meeting on Thursday night, convened by the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa).

The move comes after Bristow Helicopters and CHC announced consultations with staff over redundancies.

Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said an ‘ indicative ballot’ would be held to ask members if they are willing to take strike action following the meeting, attended by 120 pilots.

He added: ‘Pilots know jobs will be lost but there is a right way and a wrong way of doing it and the helicopter companies need to know we will not accept their approach.

‘ We want decent voluntary terms, more part-time working options to save jobs and objective and transparent redundancy selection criteria. The redundancies are bad for employees, bad for business, bad for the UK economy and bad for safety.’

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: ‘It is extremely disappointing to hear North Sea pilots are considering strike action. We are working with the industry and trade unions through the Energy Jobs Taskforce.

‘I hope this forum can be used to achieve a positive way forward and strike action can be avoided.’

The ballot closes on Tuesday.