The Canadian Helicopters Shaft

[coolhand110]

A friend was employed by Canadian Helicopters "Helicopters CANADIEN" Upon being employed, there was a condition of a 3 year training bond for taking the mini ops course. After a period of less than 3 years, he was layed-off with numerous others. He was told that he can expect to be layed-off for 3-6 months. 9 months later he receives a demand letter for $2000.00 for not completing his 3 year contract requirement. Does anyone know of the legal stand point of a person being held down by the big man? Can a person actually be forced to pay this ransom? Any personal experience with this company or this situation, would like to hear from you.

[407 Driver]

Get legal advice ...read the fine print. I can't see how they expect to recover this money when THEY terminated his employment.

 

What a bunch....

[coolhand110]

He was given a 206 operational course which consists of 30 hours of training in Penticton on a 206. After the course you are sent out on jobs. The course includes longlining, bucketing, confind areas and such.

[sharkbait]

What is a MINI OPS course? Just want to get the facts right.

Are we talking a one day seminar or a flight training program?

What kind of contract did he sign?

[coolhand110]

He signed a 3 year contract where 1/3 of the amount is taken off every year completed. The initial charge for the course was given as $15, 000.00. One would think that if you are layed off the contract would be null and void. A contract like this is hard not to sign as a low time pilot to break into the industry.

[sharkbait]

407 is right get a lawyer NOW

[Firehawk]

I know a guy that is going through a similar thing. It will be tough for them (Canadaian) to recover that money from him, Since they were the ones that terminated his employment. But like 407 said get a lawyer.

[Phil Croucher]

You would need to see the contract to be sure - if it just states the bare fact that he must complete three years, then he's stuck with it, but tell him to look for a force majeure clause, and to check with the lawyer that the thing is enforceable in the first place - many such contracts are unenforceable.

 

Good luck - treatment like that gives sharks a bad name

 

Phil

[RDM]

Albert and Bladestrike are correct, these contracts are virtually unenforceable and I would not get my knickers in a knot worrying about it, let alone the fact that they laid him off.

What stops them from hiring 10 guys giving them all the course and letting them go a week later and trying to collect the "revenue".........sheesh, I could be a marketing man

 

They could kiss my patudy

The advice about the lawyer is good, but for those that have dealt with them as of late (I have) you will find that they are bigger vultures then those looking for the 2 grand. I'd rather deal with the CHC accountant who is against me then my lawyer who is with me.

[Bladestrike]

I know of quite a few guys that walked away from a simular deal before the years required were up and nothing came of it. I believe the operators were using it more as a deterant to turnover but had no intention of taking it to the courts. This is the first time I''ve heard of them coming after someone. Especially if they laid him off, I wouldn''t be overly concerned.