Offshore workers on a number of North Sea platforms are set to take strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions. The Unite and RMT unions said they are in dispute with the Wood Group over its decision to “slash” the pay and conditions of dozens of offshore workers, including through the threat of issuing fire-and-rehire notices.
Platforms affected and strike dates
The strikes will affect a number of installations run by Harbour Energy, including the Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond and North Everest platforms. Production, instrument and mechanical technicians are among those set to walk out for a total of six days in October and November, beginning with a two-day walk-out on October 6 and 7.
Further walkouts are expected on October 20 and 21, and November 3 and 4. The RMT has also instructed its members not to work any overtime from October 8 until further notice. The news comes after a warning that separate strike action by offshore workers at energy firm Apache could “severely disrupt” UK fuel supplies.
Union leaders respond
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will not allow the Wood Group to slash and burn our members’ pay and conditions. This is a profitable company and it is despicable that it is threatening to fire and rehire its workers. This is corporate greed in its worst form.”
Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser said: “Industrial action will inevitably impact the operation of Harbour Energy’s offshore assets. The workforce has been left with no option but to strike against the Wood Group’s threats and intimidation. Our members are saying enough is enough.”
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members are not asking for special treatment or unreasonable improvements. They are standing up to defend the terms and conditions they already have. Strike action is always a last resort, but our members have clearly shown that they are prepared to stand together to defend their livelihoods and the terms and conditions they have worked under for many years. Furthermore, instead of working with the union to resolve these issues, the company has inflamed the situation by threatening the use of fire-and-rehire tactics.”
Company response
A spokesperson for the Wood Group said: “We have received notification of planned industrial action involving union members employed by Wood on one of our Harbour Energy contracts. This is in relation to a recent consultation on changes to employment terms and conditions with employees. Personnel and operational safety remain our top priority.”
