Offshore Workers Set to Strike Over Pay Disputes

Around 350 offshore workers are looking to go on strike over pay disputes with Repsol, CNOOC, and MCL Medics.

UK’s largest offshore trade union, Unite, said that the workers employed by the three companies are all involved in strike ballots or forthcoming industrial action on offshore platforms.

Over 200 Repsol workers have rejected several unacceptable pay offers, with the latest amounting to a 3% increase in basic pay. Unite’s membership has emphatically backed the strike by a 92.1% vote after rejecting the latest pay offer.

Industrial action is now set to hit Repsol’s Arbroath, AUK, Bleoholm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmer, Montrose, and Piper Bravo assets in a series of stoppages.

A one-day strike will begin at 6 am on August 6, 13, and 28, as well as a further stoppage on September 4. A continuous overtime ban will also be in operation.

The union claims that the impact of industrial action will lead to the shutdown of platforms as the workers involved include control room operators, supervisors, electricians, technicians, mechanics, and HSE advisors.

A further 130 CNOOC workers are being balloted on industrial action in a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions on the Buzzard, Scott, and Golden Eagle platforms. Several offers concerning pay and allowances have been rejected by the workers, with the latest amounting to a 4.25% increase in basic pay.

A ballot on industrial action opened today and will close on August 28. Unite believes that the impact of any industrial action will lead to the shutdown of CNOOC’s platforms as the workers involved cover similar roles to those employed by Repsol.

In another dispute over pay levels and training allowances, around 20 offshore medics who provide lifesaving services are being balloted on strike action. The ballot, which opened this week, will close on August 26. The MCL Medics work on the Armada, Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond, and North Everest assets owned by Harbour Energy. MCL Medics to date have not had any formal basic pay offer.

“Hundreds of offshore workers have been left with no choice but to take strike action or to hold ballots due to the greed of their employers. There is still time to resolve these disputes, and we would urge these companies to get back around the negotiating table before platforms are brought to a standstill,” said Unite industrial officer John Boland.