North Sea helicopter pilots working for CHC have voted to take strike action following a pay dispute.

Pilots union Balpa said pay negotiations have been ongoing with CHC for months but the operator has failed to make an acceptable offer.

Of a 77% turnout, 94% voted for strikes and 100% voted for action short of a strike.

The ballot result means pilots could legally carry out industrial action at bases in Aberdeen, Humberside, Norwich and Sumburgh.

Balpa said the action will take place on dates between 21^st May and 5^th November, which will be announced later.

General secretary Brian Strutton said: “Despite months of negotiations, the company have failed to offer a pay deal acceptable to our members, which is why we took the decision to ballot for industrial action.

“We have today informed CHC of the result of this ballot, and we are hopeful the company will put an acceptable offer on the table before we have to act on the mandate we received today.”

CHC has been contacted for comment.

Last year CHC said it employed 72 pilots and 64 engineers at its base in Dyce, Aberdeen.

The helicopter firm transports North Sea workers for several operators including Chrysaor, Shell, Equinor and Total from its Aberdeen base.

It also carries out work for other firms including Neptune Energy, Spirit, Ineos, One Dyas and Orsted to southern North Sea sites from its Norwich base.

Balpa first announced in March that it was in a pay dispute with CHC.