Company Confirms Receipt Of Return-To-Work Offer

A months-long strike involving pilots at helicopter operator PHI, Inc. appears to be winding down. On Wednesday, the company confirmed it had received written confirmation from the OPEIU International's leadership that the pilot strike has ended, and the company's return to work offer had been ratified by the union membership.

The union had submitted that request to PHI over the weekend... where it was initially met with no public reaction from the helicopter operator.

"The striking members voted overwhelmingly for the new strategy," OPEIU General Counsel Melvin Schwarzwald said.

From that statement, it sounds as though the strike that began September 22 is on its last legs... with pilots accepting the company's assertion it has already given its pilots an 'industry-leading' pay increase, and that the company owes them no back pay or additional benefits.

"Under these circumstances, the pilots believe that continuation of the strike will not result in a change in PHI Inc's position and, therefore, a change in strategy is necessary," the union stated in its weekend release.

While the news is encouraging, PHI said it is being careful to not count all its chickens just yet.

"There are, of course, complex practical and legal issues related to appropriate return to work procedures and requirements that must be considered and resolved before the union's offer can be implemented," the company stated Wednesday. "PHI Management is in the process of reviewing the details and implications of the union's offer, and will formally respond to the union in due course regarding the commencement of discussions, and acceptable terms and conditions."

PHI provides helicopter transportation and related services to a broad range of customers including the oil and gas industry, air medical industry and also provides third-party maintenance services to select customers.

FMI: www.phihelico.com