coolhand110 Posted July 16, 2003 Report Posted July 16, 2003 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. Quote
407 Driver Posted July 16, 2003 Report Posted July 16, 2003 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.... Quote
coolhand110 Posted July 16, 2003 Author Report Posted July 16, 2003 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. Quote
sharkbait Posted July 16, 2003 Report Posted July 16, 2003 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? Quote
coolhand110 Posted July 16, 2003 Author Report Posted July 16, 2003 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. Quote
Firehawk Posted July 16, 2003 Report Posted July 16, 2003 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. Quote
Phil Croucher Posted July 17, 2003 Report Posted July 17, 2003 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 Quote
RDM Posted July 17, 2003 Report Posted July 17, 2003 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. Quote
Bladestrike Posted July 17, 2003 Report Posted July 17, 2003 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. Quote
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