Helicopter crews at Bristow Helicopters have voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay.

The ballot conducted among members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) returned a 96.31% Yes vote on a 92.74% turnout.

BALPA General Secretary, Amy Leversidge, said: “This ballot is a clear indication of the strength of feeling amongst our members. Despite months of negotiation Bristow’s management has failed to listen to employees and offer a fair and reasonable pay deal.

“Our members, who include pilots and technical crew (winch paramedics and winch operators) operate in some of the most treacherous conditions. They provide vital search and rescue services and transport workers to the oil and gas rigs in the North Sea.

“For years, our members have remained loyal to Bristow enduring pay freezes and cuts while they were in difficult times. It is unreasonable for Bristow to expect their helicopter pilots and technical crews to continue with austerity pay at a time when the company is booming and it is BALPA members who are at the heart of that success.

“Industrial action is always a last resort and none of our members want to be in this position but clearly enough is enough. Our ballot result today sends a resolute message to Bristow that their pay offer must be improved. We strongly urge Bristow to listen to what their workers are telling them loud and clear and get back to the bargaining table with BALPA and give our members a fair and reasonable pay offer.”
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