Safety at sea must be top priority if Bristow strikes go ahead – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today responded to the news that workers at Bristow Helicopters are set to stage a number of strikes in a row over pay. The British Airline Pilots’ Association said the operator had failed to put forward any offer that its pilots and technical crews could support.

Mr Carmichael has been in contact with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to discuss mitigations for the strikes if they go ahead, in relation to coastguard and search-and-rescue operations.

Industrial action is due to be held between 3-5 March, 11-13 March, 18-20 March, and 25-27 March.

Mr Carmichael said:

“I am extremely concerned by the developments with Bristow and have been keeping in close contact with the MCA about the situation as it develops – I know that they will be taking action to keep people informed and to mitigate the risks.

“Safety at sea and other search-and-rescue operations must be the top priority, whatever happens. If strikes do go ahead then we will be relying on the MCA and others to step up to avoid anything falling through the gaps.”