Hundreds of Stork workers have secured an improved pay offer as unrest in the North Sea continues to peter out.
Unite confirmed on Tuesday that workers employed by the offshore contractor have voted in favour of a 10% wage bump, backdated to January.
Around two thirds of members (61%) backed ending their dispute, on an 88% turnout, and comes about a month after a previous offer of 6% was snubbed.
Stork previously said Unite was asking for a rise that would cost the company an extra £19 million a year.
But the union said the 6% offer only covered around 70% of members within the company, with those working on Apache and Anasuria assets missing out.
A Stork spokesperson said: “Following close engagement with our employees, clients and with the backing of the trade unions; we are pleased to confirm Unite members have formally accepted our revised pay offer.
“This deal helps to secure a sustainable future for our sector, employment opportunities and ongoing operational continuity. We remain committed to engaging with our employees, clients and union officials in relation to all employment and industry matters, including periods out with industrial action too.”
© Supplied by -Since May some 700 Stork contractors have downed tools in a bid to secure better pay and conditions, a situation that has been replicated across the North Sea.
But in recent weeks more disputes have reached a conclusion, giving hope that the months of unrest in the basin is nearing an end, though this idea has been played down by unions.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “This offer being accepted today is vindication of the hard work our members offshore undertook to improve jobs, pay and conditions.”
“Unite members in Stork have made the oil & gas giants sit up and take notice of their workers, culminating in this 10 per cent salary increase, and we are very proud of each and every member who took a stand.”
Unite Scotland’s industrial officer, Shauna Wright, said: “We are thankful for the patience and commitment our members have shown to get an offer on the table for all platforms.”
“This means that this year, workers offshore have won a 10 per cent pay increase thanks to the efforts of our members, and this will be backdated to January.”
In parallel GMB workers involved in the dispute have also accepted an identical pay offer.
It was a close call though, with 54% of members backing the offer, something Alan Ritchie, GMB Scotland organiser, says reflects the anger of offshore workers.
He added: “The result is a clear reflection of the strength of feeling among our members.
“Their wages have not kept up with the cost of living and the action taken in recent months and the result of this ballot should send a very clear signal to all companies operating across the North Sea.
“Our members are part of a skilled and committed workforce and unwilling to accept the continuing deterioration of their pay and conditions in real terms.
“Their willingness to take industrial action to secure this revised offer is a testament to their determination and unity.”
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