NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, CLC, has granted a charter to the Global Helicopter Pilots Association (GHPA), effective October 27, 2009. The group will be known as GHPA, OPEIU Local 103.

The pilots organized in 2006, but had to fight through a series of legal challenges mounted by the CHC, the pilots' employer. GHPA voted to affiliate with OPEIU in March 2007, and affiliation was granted upon the recent issuance of a decision by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).

"This was a long time coming, but we're glad we now represent the more than 275 GHPA pilots," said OPEIU Director of Organization and Field Services Kevin Kistler. "Contract negotiations have begun, and we look forward to achieving an agreement that provides improved compensation, benefits, and working conditions."

"I'm truly impressed with the skill and dedication that GHPA pilots have shown in their struggle to gain a voice in their profession," said Butch Grafton, president of the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association (PHPA). "I also know that with the dedication and determination I've seen throughout their struggle to reach this point, they will certainly improve every aspect of their working life."

ABOUT OPEIU

The Office and Professional Employees International Union represents more than 125,000 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 and more.

Professional organizations and Guilds affiliated with OPEIU are a diverse group that includes physicians, pharmacists, chiropractors, appraisers, podiatrists, dentists, clinical social workers, hypnotists, teachers and helicopter pilots.

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

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http://www.opeiu.org