Members of Unite, the UK’s largest union, employed by Total E&P
working on North Sea oil and gas platforms are set to begin
industrial action next month in a dispute over pay and working
hours. If strike action goes ahead Unite believes that the
three platforms affected (Alwin, Dunbar and Elgin) will be forced
to cease production. The dispute concerns the company’s wage
review and its plans to force workers to increase their offshore
working time. The membership...Request free trial
Members of Unite, the UK’s largest union, employed by Total E&P
working on North Sea oil and gas platforms are set to begin
industrial action next month in a dispute over pay and working
hours.
If strike action goes ahead Unite believes that the three
platforms affected (Alwin, Dunbar and Elgin) will be forced to
cease production.
The dispute concerns the company’s wage review and its plans
to force workers to increase their offshore working
time.
The membership voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike
action and there was an even clearer (100 per cent) mandate in
favour of industrial action short of strike.
Unite is currently in the process of consulting members about
what type of industrial action will be called and when. Dates for
industrial action are expected to be announced early next week,
with strikes beginning in July.
Unite regional officer Wullie Wallace
said: “The overwhelming vote in favour of strike
action demonstrates our members’ anger at Total’s
proposals.
“Our members simply want to be properly paid for
the work they undertake in a dangerous and difficult
environment.
“Total’s plans to force workers to spend even
longer offshore would drive a coach and horses through workers’
work/life balance and would result in them spending even less time
with family, friends and loved ones. This raises serious health and
wellbeing concerns.
“There is still time for industrial action to be
avoided and Unite’s door remains open if Total is prepared to make
a renewed offer and return to the negotiating
table.”
The latest ballot result puts further pressure on the
company. Last week Unite members employed at Total’s Shetland gas
plant voted for industrial action in a dispute over changes to
their rota system.
