The Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) has urged Wood Group bosses and union chiefs to return to the negotiating table as the first North Sea strike in a generation takes place.
Around 400 members of both Unite and RMT are taking part in industrial action across seven of Shell’s assets.
It comes as a dispute over changes to pay and conditions continues.
READ: North Sea strike – What we know so far
Paul Atkinson, chief executive of the OCA, said: “We are really disappointed that the unions and Wood Group have not reached an agreement.
“Although the outcome of the Unite ballot was in favour of industrial action, we had hoped that strike action could be avoided.
“This is a very challenging business environment and our members have to make difficult decisions.
“The deal being offered by Wood Group remains within the rates and allowances in the Offshore Contractors Partnership Agreement which was agreed to by both GMB and Unite members last year.
“The industry as a whole must retain its focus on securing a long-term future for the UKCS that sustains jobs and attracts new investment.
“We stand ready to offer any assistance that can bring this dispute to an end.”
