The new contractor to provide search and rescue services for the Irish Coast Guard has reached and agreement with the union representing air crew.
As RTÉ News reports, the deal between Bristow Ireland and the union branches representing both coastguard pilots and technical crew, such as winch operators, covers terms of employment and dispute resolution.
The agreement will allow for these employees’ transfer from CHC Ireland to Bristow in 2025 when the new 10-year contract will be fully operational.
Bristow Ireland, which signed the contract in August last year to operate six helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft from bases around the country, remains in negotiations with the union representing engineering staff.
Pilots are represented by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) branch of Fórsa, and Fórsa represents technical staff including winch crew.
Bristow said it is continuing to engage with the Unite trade union, which represents engineering staff, with further discussions due in early 2024.
A transition plan has been drawn up with Fórsa and IALPA for the date when Bristow takes over the contract in 2025. It is currently held by CHC Ireland which has initiated a court action.
The employees involved will transition to Bristow up to June 2025, in line with the intended transition plan and schedule.
Bristow described the agreement as a key milestone in the successful transition of search and rescue operations.
Bristow Ireland is due to provide six AW189 helicopters from the existing Irish Coast Guard SAR bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford, and Dublin.
The new contract will include a fixed-wing aircraft service, with an option for the Air Corps to take over this element.
RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.