A North Sea industrial dispute has been hit by further setbacks after unions revealed a 48-hour strike would be held this month.
Both Unite and RMT workers on seven of Shell’s assets on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) have already held strike action for an initial 24-hour period followed by two further three hour
periods.
An overtime ban has also been implemented until further notice in a dispute over potential changes to pay and conditions by their employer Wood Group.
The Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) had called for unions and Wood Group to get back round the negotiating table earlier this week.
Next week’s strike affects the Shearwater, Gannet, Nelson, Curlew, Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo and Brent Charlie platforms.
Chief executive for the company’s eastern business, Dave Stewart, said the company was “bitterly disappointed” no resolution between both sides had been met.
Dave Stewart, chief executive for Wood Group’s eastern region business unit, said: “We are hugely disappointed that the significant movements we have made to reach a resolution have clearly not been acknowledged by the unions.
“I must stress, none of our employees are being offered terms and conditions below the Offshore Partnership Agreement, agreed by the unions only this year; nor will they be. The majority of our employees will still be paid significantly above these terms and conditions.
“Safeguarding these jobs in the North Sea now and in the future against the backdrop of an extremely challenging economic climate, remains our firm commitment. It is estimated that 120,000 jobs will be lost in the UK by the end of 2016 due to the prolonged low oil price.
“We believe safeguarding jobs should be a mutual goal shared by the unions and we would encourage them to work with us to realign the cost base, if we are to sustain this mature industry and employment opportunities long into the future. There is a responsibility on all of us in this industry to create a competitive cost base in line with the Oil and Gas Authority’s strategy for maximising economic recovery (MER).
“Wood Group’s focus does not change. We remain committed to continuing to engage openly with our employees and the unions to reach a resolution.
“Our employees’ safety and wellbeing remains our priority and our commitment is to ensuring this is not compromised by this extended period of industrial action.”
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