Search and rescue helicopter crews seek job guarantees

Search and rescue helicopter crews are seeking guarantees that they will still have jobs once a new contractor takes over the service in 2025.

The Government recently confirmed that multinational Bristow had won the contract to provide the service and would take over from current operator CHC Ireland.

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) wrote to Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan on Thursday, seeking guarantees that 85 coast guard pilots and winch operators will remain in employment once the service transfers to Bristow.

Ialpa, part of trade union Fórsa, maintains that the EU Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE) rules apply to the contract. This means that those already working for the State’s search and rescue service keep their jobs and seniority once the new operator takes over.

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The union was following up a letter sent two weeks ago to Mr Ryan to which officials said the Minister did not reply.

Fórsa national secretary Katie Morgan confirmed that the union had also written to Bristow seeking the same assurances after Government signed the contract with the company this month, but said no commitment had been forthcoming.

Bristow has advertised for captains and first officers for the Irish service, sparking concern among existing crews that it does not intend to take on existing staff.

Ms Morgan warned that the absence of guarantees left pilots and winch operators in an “uncertain and precarious situation”.

She called on Mr Ryan to ensure that transfer of undertakings rules “will be applied as personnel transfer to the new contract holder”.

Daniel Lanigan, Ialpa vice-president finance, wrote to the Minister and Michael O’Toole, Irish Coast Guard director, two weeks ago asking both to commit that crews would transfer to Bristow.

“The pilots of the current Irish Coast Guard have provided a service to the country under dangerous and challenging working conditions for many years and it is hoped that their service will be recognised and protected,” he told both officials.

The Department of Transport expects to see “an orderly and seamless transfer of operations between both contractors”, according to a spokeswoman.

She added that Bristow had told the department that it would consult with CHC Ireland staff and their trade unions.

“The Department fully recognises the professionalism and dedication of all personnel engaged in the provision of this essential State service,” the spokeswoman stressed.

A Bristow Ireland spokesman said there was a lengthy lead-in time before the new contract began, but the company was, in the meantime, seeking expressions of interest in a small number of posts.

“We are confident that there will be opportunities for all existing staff with the appropriate skills and qualifications to take up employment with Bristow Ireland under this new contract and we will undertake a comprehensive engagement process with the employees of the current contractor via their recognised trade unions,” he noted.

Bristow’s spokesman added that these talks would begin in September and it would be inappropriate to comment further before that.

The service employs more than 140 staff, 85 of whom are Ialpa/Fórsa members, while the others are in the Unite trade union.

CHC Ireland recently began High Court proceedings challenging the Government decision to award the contract to Bristow.