Workers from Unite and RMT unions have backed strike action in the North Sea for the first time in a generation.
The move could see workers down tools on up to eight of Shell’s assets on the UKCS.
It comes after Wood Group workers hit out over pay and conditions which included a potential 30% pay cut.
The decision to strike could affect the Shearwater, Gannet, Nelson, Curlew, Brent Delta, Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo and Brent Charlie platforms.
More than 200 workers from both unions collectively voted in favour of strike action.
A spokesman for Shell had said the oil major was “monitoring the situation” with the hope Wood Group’s employees and management could resolve their issues.
But union bosses have hit out after a number of job offers emerged online for positions on Shell’s North Sea assets on a week-on-week-off basis.
Wood Group has said it is “extremely disappointed” by the results of the ballot.
The ballot results from both unions were said to be “well over” the 50% turnout threshold with huge majorities in support of industrial action in the form of strike and action short of a strike.
Both unions said they will not consult with Wood Group members across the Shell assets to discuss both the “timing and nature” of the action.
John Boland, Unite regional organiser, said: “Despite the best efforts of the Full time Officials and workforce Shop Stewards to broker a deal with the company, talks have failed to find an acceptable deal for the workforce. We now find ourselves forced down the route of industrial action and in the coming days the workforce will determine the timing and nature of that action.
“That said, we remain available for talks should the company wish to consider an alternative offer. However, any talks must respect the workers and especially with regards to exercising their democratic rights in a dispute situation.
“Therefore the move by Shell to engage a scab labour workforce through various agencies to cover any potential industrial action is extremely disturbing.”
Unite and RMT are members of the Offshore Coordinating Group of trade unions.
Jake Molloy, RMT regional organiser, said: “After two rounds of redundancy, the imposition of an additional 4 to 5 weeks of work annually, forced to work a 3:3 rota, the increase in workload, and the restrictions on leave, this battered and bruised workforce are being told they have to accept all of this with a reduction in salary of anything from 10 to 30%. The workforce message is clear, ‘Enough is Enough’ and it’s little wonder we find ourselves in this situation.”
Recommended for you
