Pilots and mechanics in the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Locals 107 and 407 have expressed shock by Bristow Helicopters´ decision to close two Louisiana facilities, the company said.
The decision resulted in the loss of more than 350 good-paying, family-sustaining jobs.
In June, Bristow completed a merger with Era Group that brought together two workforces, the OPEIU pilots and mechanics at Bristow and nonunion pilots and mechanics at Era. OPEIU has initiated a process with the National Mediation Board for the union to represent a joint workforce of Era and Bristow pilots and mechanics.
The company claims the decision to shutter the two facilities hinges on falling demand for the facilities´ services and lower operational efficiencies as a result.
Bristow employees have advocated for improvements that would leave Louisiana facilities more profitable, more efficient and better positioned to succeed in a changing market.
OPEIU Local 407 mechanics said it is calling on the company to take a step back and realize what these jobs and tax revenues mean to communities and to the employees who have helped make Bristow a successful company.
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