THE SKIES above the North Sea oilfields could be cleared after helicopter pilots overwhelmingly backed industrial action in a consultative ballot, their union said yesterday.

Companies which transport oil workers to rigs are laying off staff after energy giants pulled out of the North Sea in response falling oil prices.

Bristow Helicopters and CHC Helicopter could lay off as many as 180 staff.

Pilots’ union Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: “We’re not being unreasonable.

“We know the downturn in the North Sea is going to hit jobs, but the way the companies are going about it is causing massive frustration, borne out by the very high turnout and strong Yes vote in this ballot conducted over just four days.

“In the event management do not substantially shift their position, Balpa’s national executive council will be meeting early next month to consider a move to a formal strike vote, something we are still hoping to avoid.”