North Sea drillers have said they are willing to take strike action over a long-standing pay dispute.
A consultative ballot has been carried out by the Unite union for members who are part of the UK Drilling Contractors Association (UKCDA), with 91% voting in favour of strikes.
UKDCA acts on behalf of several major drilling firms including EnscoRowan, Maersk Drilling and Transocean.
Unite said last month it would ballot members over the dispute which has been carrying on for more than a year.
The union said members deserve an improved pay offer after “five years of wage freezes”.
Last month, a two percent pay increase had been offered for workers, backdated to Jan 1, but Unite said issues remain over holiday pay.
Since the ballot, Unite has held further talks with UKDCA with an improved offer now being relayed to members.
Regional officer John Clark said: “The result of this consultative ballot sends a clear message to the UKDCA that our members are saying enough is enough.
“After five years of wages freezes and yet more delays to a final offer on pay for 2018/19 our members are saying they are prepared to take action.”
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