Statement From Steve Rush, President Of The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association International (PHPA), A Council Of OPEIU, Regarding North Sea Tragedy

NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association International (PHPA), a council of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, is mourning the loss of four passengers who were killed on August 23, 2013, when a CHC L2 aircraft crashed into the waters off the coast of Sumburgh, United Kingdom.  Fourteen people, including two crew members, survived the tragedy with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

One of PHPA's units, Local 103 GHPA, represents CHC offshore pilots in 18 countries.  This base is not among the GHPA-represented group.  PHPA, however, is dedicated to enhancing safety in the helicopter industry and will await the outcome of the official investigation report as to lessons to be learned for future safety enhancements.

In the meantime, we are keeping the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

ABOUT PHPA INTERNATIONAL
The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association International (PHPA) is a council of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) and is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to improving air safety and protecting the interests of commercial helicopter pilots. PHPA promotes industry professionalism, education and training, and encourages professional helicopter pilots, the military and civilians of all flying disciplines to join together to represent and enforce the high standards, ideals and goals of the profession.

ABOUT OPEIU
The Office and Professional Employees International Union represents more than 105,000 members in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. OPEIU represents employees and independent contractors in banking and credit unions, insurance, higher education, shipping, hospitals, medical clinics, utilities, transportation, hotels, administrative offices, minor league umpiring and more.

Professional organizations and Guilds affiliated with OPEIU are a diverse group that includes nurses, pharmacists, chiropractors, appraisers, podiatrists, clinical social workers, teachers, insurance agents and adjusters and helicopter pilots.

SOURCE Office and Professional Employees International Union, AFL-CIO (OPEIU)