North Sea workers go on strike

Prior to this morning's walkout, strike action had gained overwhelming support from both unions, with hundreds of offshore workers raising concerns over proposed cuts to pay and allowances, as well as fears over job security and safety.

According to Unite, today’s strike, which is the first for almost 30 years, will be followed by similar protests over the coming weeks.

After savage redundancies and attacks on workload and working conditions this group of offshore workers are now told that they are going to be railroaded into accepting pay cuts of up to 30%

RMT general secretary Mick Cash

“This dispute is the first in the North Sea in three decades and shows the strength of feeling of our members who feel backed into a corner and left with no other option but to use their industrial strength to make Wood Group listen,” said John Boland, Unite regional officer.

“Our members have been faced with changes to shift patterns which have seen them working longer offshore for the same pay and as well as having three rounds of redundancies imposed on them. This attack on their pay and allowances has pushed our members too far this time.”

Boland said the industry’s reaction to the recent downturn is largely to blame for today’s strike action.

“For decades, oil and gas companies across the North Sea have made hay while the sun shone and become very profitable on the back of the hard work and dedication of our members.

“Now the weather has turned for the industry, they are using the downturn to attack the pay, terms and conditions of our members.”

As well as walkouts, campaigners have also occupied Shell Group offices in London in support of the strike, RMT said.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “After savage redundancies and attacks on workload and working conditions this group of offshore workers are now told that they are going to be railroaded into accepting pay cuts of up to 30%. They have voted overwhelmingly to reject this assault on their livelihoods.”

In response to the strike, Wood Group chief executive officer Dave Stewart said employee safety is a top priority during industrial action. 

“Our firm focus remains on reaching a resolution, which meets our mutual goal of sustaining these jobs for our employees in the North Sea now and in the future, against the backdrop of an extremely challenging climate created by the sustained low oil price,” Stewart said.