Bristow To Reduce Work Force Amid Lower Demand

HOUSTON (AP) — Bristow Group Inc., which operates helicopters that ferry workers and equipment to offshore oil drilling rigs, said Monday it plans to cut its work force by "less than 10 percent," citing lower demand for helicopter services.

Bristow currently employs about 3,600 people globally.

The company said it also froze management salaries and is scrutinizing its staffing levels, adding that it has already made some job cuts in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Australia and cut many of its temporary and consulting staff.

The company also said that its European affiliate has begun talks with union officials and workers in Europe about proposed staffing cuts. Similar moves are expected to take place other business units, Bristow said.

The company had announced earlier this year that it planed to cut jobs as part of its efforts to better align its work force with demand, but did not specify how many or in what areas the cuts would come.

Bristow shares rose 72 cents, or 3.3 percent, to $22.75 in morning trading.