Fórsa’s 41 search and rescue pilot members at CHC Helicopters are to ballot later this month on the Labour Court’s recommendations on pay, pensions and other key terms. The private helicopter firm provides Ireland’s search and rescue service under a government contract.

The Court’s recommendations provide for pay rises of 10.5% over five years, in addition to increases worth 5% to pensions over the same period. The Court has also recommended monetary terms regarding overtime and “loss of licence.”

Fórsa official Ian McDonnell said the pay, pension and loss of licence issues had been jointly referred to the Labour Court: “Fórsa’s position was that the employer’s response to our pay claim fell short of what was required, as the employer operates as part of a much larger global company, and therefore in a position to meet the cost of the claim.”

He said discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), to address the composition of a new collective agreement at CHC, are ongoing, and confirmed that progress had been made on a number of issues, which was acknowledged by the Court.

Ian said arrangements for balloting the pilot members at CHC are being finalised and will commence shortly.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.