The National Assn. of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has taken industrial action against Bristow Group at three locations in Nigeria, the company said. In Lagos, Port Harcourt and Eket, workers have reduced production as a response to a dispute over a previous release of Nigerian pilots and engineers. Local news outlets report more than 50 aircraft have been grounded during the strike.

Due to the downturn in the oil and gas market, Bristow said it has laid off 21 Nigerian and 118 expatriate pilots and engineers. The dispute is currently undergoing mediation and negotiation, with Bristow havin already reached agreements with the National unio of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Assn. The company has held multiple meetings with the NAAPE and the Ministry of Labour, and proposals have been submitted for the association’s approval.

This industrial action comes after a dispute between NUATE and Caverton Helicopters over the layoff of 150 workers.