Rig layoffs: Stena Drilling settles Norwegian case out of court ahead of UK tribunal
Stena Drilling has settled a North Sea rig layoffs case in Norway out of court ahead of a linked employment tribunal in the UK.
Unions
‘No political will’ for a just transition away from hydrocarbons, says union boss
Governments in Holyrood and Westminster have been accused of having “no political will” to support a just transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy.
Survey shows North Sea workers’ dismay at Covid-19 response
A new survey had laid bare the depths of the Covid-19 crisis afflicting the North Sea oil and gas industry, the RMT trade union said.
Union calls on North Sea workers to share impact of oil downturn
A national union group is calling for north-east workers to give their opinion on how the economy has affected them.
Helicopter safety inquiry ‘not necessary’, says Aberdeenshire MP
An Aberdeenshire MP has said a public inquiry into offshore helicopter travel is “not necessary” amid union concerns over safety.
Norway heads off major strike as pay deal struck
Sweeping strikes have been averted in Norway after trade unions struck a new pay deal with employers, news reports said.
Unions take fight over ‘undercutting’ of sub-contractor pay to Denmark
A union campaign against the “undercutting” of construction workers’ pay on energy contracts in the UK is being taken to Denmark.
Unions want involvement in tax regime talks
Unite claims offshore trade unions "must" be represented on the expert panel proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
ASCO workers asked to be on 24/7 standby, “unsafe” say insiders
Oil and gas services firm ASCO is forcing workers to be available 24/7 under shift changes that have been branded "extremely serious".
Nigerian union calls for protest against foreign oil operators
Oil firms in Nigeria have sacked an estimated 3,000 workers, according to union officials in the country.
Unions step up support for Hinkley Point nuclear station
Unions have stepped up their support for the delayed Hinkley Point nuclear power station, saying that confirming the financial go-ahead will be the first big “litmus test” for infrastructure projects following the EU referendum result.
Union boss warns of North Sea industrial move
A union boss today warned there is a move towards industrial conflict in the North Sea sector.
Unions say Statoil COSL sideline could cost 600 jobs
Unions have hit out at Statoil’s decision to cut ties with COSL, insisting the move puts 600 jobs at risk.
Unions condemn Npower’s move to axe 2,500 jobs
Energy giant npower has come under attack for dealing a “devastating blow” to its workers with plans to axe up to 2,500 jobs.
Trade unions team up in fight against North Sea job losses
Five unions have today joined forces in the battle to safeguard the North Sea’s workforce. The Offshore Co-ordinating Group (OCG) will “lead the fightback” on job losses, pay cuts, safety and terms and conditions for workers. It comprises Unite, RMT, GMB, Balpa and Nautilus, many of which have been embroiled in disputes with employers over these issues since the oil price started to slide.
OCA boss to step down in new year
Offshore Contractors’ Association (OCA) chief executive Bill Murray plans to step down from the post after more than 13 years, it emerged yesterday. An OCA spokeswoman confirmed he would retire from the role sometime in the new year, but gave no more details. OCA is the leading representative body for the UK’s oil and gas contracting and supply industry.
Offshore unions backed by TUC
The TUC has backed a motion calling for a concerted campaign to resist "commercial pressures" that offshore unions say could erode safety standards, cut jobs and training.
Unions call off offshore strike ballot
Trade unions have shelved plans for a strike action ballot over North Sea working conditions following negotiations with industry bosses yesterday. Last night the Unite union said the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) tabled an improved offer for offshore workers during the latest round of talks in Aberdeen. Unite regional officer Willie Wallace, said: “Today’s talks have been constructive and we have made enough progress to be able to put an improved offer from the OCA to our membership."
Unions call to end ‘slash and burn’ approach
Union bosses have called for an end to what they branded "slash and burn" tactics in the oil and gas industry. They made the plea after offshore giant BP's announcement earlier this week 300 jobs would go. The price of Brent crude has dropped to a six-year low, fuelling fears of widespread redundancies.