Bristow strikes persist as union rejects offer for workers

The industrial dispute between Bristow Helicopters and its striking pilots and tech crews appears to have stagnated after BALPA, the British pilots’ union, called for an offer that is just focused on pay.

However, in a statement on 16 May, Bristow’s management asked its staff to “(take) the time to read the latest offer presented to BALPA”.

According to the operator, the offer discloses a pay increase averaging around 11%, alongside a single payment equivalent to 6% of its employees’ 2023 salaries.

“Not only has this been termed as a derisory offer, but it has also been suggested real-term pay for Bristow search and rescue (SAR) crews has decreased 25% in recent years,” Bristow’s management added. “This is simply not true,” it said.

Under the new offer, Bristow put forth that pilots in its offshore energy services and SAR divisions will earn between £65,850 and £141,850 before allowances next year.

Bristow’s management suggested the offer was “indicative of the company’s willingness to negotiate”.

BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge explained that after 95% of its members rejected Bristow’s previous offer, both parties had entered arbitration talks.

“After over a week of trying to get movement from Bristow management, they tabled an offer that was virtually indistinguishable from the rejected offer,” she said.

“There is no confusion or misunderstanding on our part; our members are clear and resolute – we need an offer that is just focused on pay and is not reliant on reducing terms and conditions,” added Leversidge.

“We will enter into talks with them at any time – we want to find a solution to this dispute and for our experienced and talented pilots and tech crews to be properly valued for the job they do,” she concluded.

This is the third week of strike action, and it is scheduled to last for at least seven weeks in total.

Last year, Bristow Ireland signed a contract with the Irish government to provide helicopter and fixed-wing search and rescue (SAR) services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard.