Saturday 2 November 2024
 11.3°C   WSW Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Emergency services / Coastguard working on contingency plans after Bristow helicopter crews vote for industrial action

A red and white Coastguard helicopter in flight against a clear blue sky.

THE COASTGUARD says it is developing contingency plans to minimise the risk to search and rescue services after Bristow helicopter crews voted to take industrial action.

Ballot results released earlier this week showed that members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) working with Bristow overwhelmingly backed the prospect of action in a dispute over pay, with 96 per cent voting in favour.

Bristow holds the contract for coastguard search and rescue services in northern Scotland, and locally it has a base in Sumburgh.

The Sumburgh-based coastguard helicopter provides vital role in saving lives at sea and also providing airlifts to hospital.

In a statement released after the vote results were announced, a Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson told Shetland News: “HM Coastguard is developing contingency plans to minimise the risk associated with a potential reduction in the helicopter search and rescue service.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on the dispute between Bristow and BALPA while discussions remain ongoing.

“The provision of other search and rescue assets remains unaffected.”

HM Coastguard will work with Bristow Helicopters to minimise the risk associated with the potential reduction in service.

BALPA general secretary Amy Leversidge had said “despite months of negotiation Bristow’s management has failed to listen to employees and offer a fair and reasonable pay deal”.

She said some of its members are pilots and technical crew, such as winch paramedics and winch operators, who work in tough conditions.

Leversidge added that industrial action is “always a last resort, and none of our members want to be in this position – but clearly enough is enough”.

A spokesperson for Bristow Helicopters previously said: “We are extremely disappointed by the outcome of this ballot and that, despite Bristow tabling an improved offer in a bid to avoid strike action, staff were not given an opportunity to vote on that offer before being balloted to participate in strike action.

“We believe our latest offer is highly competitive and remain committed to working collaboratively with BALPA to arrive at a fair and sustainable agreement that recognises the hard work and commitment of our team and to avoid unnecessary strike action.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.