Offshore catering workers are on the brink of industrial action if North Sea employers do not offer a wage deal, according to trade union Unite.
Worforce representatives say that the union ballot shows “overwhelming support” for action on rigs controlled by employers Aramark, Compass and Trinity.
The ballot showed 80% of members working in the offshore catering industry are in favour of some form of industrial action including strike action.
The employers – the Catering Offshore Traders Association (COTA) – are insisting on forcing a second year standstill wage freeze in the sector.
Vic Fraser, regional organiser for Unite Scotland said: “Offshore catering workers in these three massive companies have spoken. They’ve said ‘Enough is enough – a further year’s freeze on wages is not on’. It’s time the employers came back to the negotiating table instead of issuing ultimatums.”
Unite say COTA has announced the intention to impose a wage freeze for 2016/17 in spite of the union ballot result.
The union added that other workers in other sectors have been offered wage rises.
Mr Fraser added: “This flies in the face of any sensible industrial relations.
“Workers in other sectors of the oil industry offshore are being offered increases on basic rates so why can’t the COTA employers offer the same to the catering workers.
“Unite Scotland want to avoid industrial action by negotiating a reasonable deal. So who is it that is being unreasonable here? It isn’t the union.”
A spokesman for COTA said the organisation was “disappointed” that members of Unite have voted in favour of industrial action.
The spokesman also pointed out that in some COTA member companies, less than 50% of those eligible to vote supported the decision – the legal requirement for action.
He added: “Our objective is to protect COTA employees’ jobs. Throughout the 2016-17 negotiations COTA has maintained open, honest and realistic discussions with the unions and negotiating committee around what the pay deal should be in order to adapt to our changing industry.
“We want to start negotiating next year’s settlement as soon as possible.”
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