Barely 24 hours after Air Peace announced the sack of 70 pilots, Bristow Helicopters followed suit on Tuesday by announcing the sack of no fewer than 100 pilots and engineers in its employ.
Bristow said it had engaged with the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to negotiate a fair and equitable redundancy compensation for those affected.
Sources said this might be a reaction to the picketing and grounding of the company’s operations on Monday by the union over alleged discrimination against Nigerian pilots and engineers.
Bristow in a statement signed by its management said it based its decision on the severe impact of COVID-19, adding that its business has been affected adversely and would use the period to now restructure all aspects of its business model.
The statement said, “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’
have 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.
“One of these measures includes the right-sizing of the business to ensure that the company has the optimal level of personnel to continue the safe delivery of its services to its clients, whilst allowing the appropriate capacity for future growth. Accordingly, and with much regret, the company has taken the very difficult decision to relieve over 100 pilots and engineers (both nationals and expatriates) over the next couple of weeks.”
The company which had operated in Nigeria
for over 40 years said that it would comply
with the labour laws of disengagement for
those whose jobs were relieved.
“In compliance with the relevant labour and
local content laws and also best practices;
the company has engaged the leadership of
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 three 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.
“This decision has not been made lightly, but
having considered the state of the business
and the very serious constraints caused by
the spread of the Covid-19 disease and the
downturn in the oil and gas market, the
company must now take this painful, but
decisive step to ensure the continuity of its
business and delivery of essential services to
its clients”, Bristow said .
