….blames serious constraints due to covid-19
While the sad news of Airpeace sack of over 60 of its pilots yesterday is yet to sink in, another batch of over 100 pilots and engineers have been thrown into the labour market by the embattled Bristow Helicopters company.
Bristow helicopters Management who has been having a running battle with the National of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, over unresolved labour issues, had earlier in a statement threatened to take legal action of ‘no work, no pay’ and described the continued action of the union as illegal has just decided to drop the bombshell of the sack.
According to the company, the decision to relieve the pilots and engineers of their duty is based on the serious constraints caused by the spread of the Covid-19 disease and the downturn in the oil and gas market.
Bristow says with much regret, the company has taken the very difficult decision to release over 100 pilots and engineers both National and Expatriates over the next couple of weeks.
In compliance with the relevant labor and local content laws and also best practices; the company has engaged the leadership of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to negotiate a fair and equitable redundancy compensation for the affected individuals.
“In compliance with the terms of employment, the affected individuals will be paid 3 months’ salary (excluding applicable deductions) following their exit from the company. The redundancy packages will be paid to them as soon as an agreement has been reached with NAAPE.”
“The spread of the Covid-19 virus has severely impacted all sectors in the aviation industry including our market, which primarily serves the Nigerian oil and gas sector. In addition, the ongoing downturn in the global oil and gas market continues to influence and determine the demand for our services”.
“The combined effects of these ‘arisings’ has resulted in very significant reductions to our business particularly a reduction in the number of contracted aircraft in Nigeria. As a result, the company must now restructure all aspects of its business model (both Rotary & Fixed Wing), including an extensive review of its operations and we continue to drive efficiencies, but with zero compromise to safety and our core values”.
