New 48-hour strike by North Sea workers

North Sea workers are to stage a 48-hour strike next week in a dispute over their pay and allowances.

The action will affect seven Shell platforms from 6.30am on Thursday.

Members of the Unite and RMT unions are in dispute with their employer Wood Group.

The action follows industrial action this week, including a 24-hour stoppage on Tuesday.

Next week’s strike affects the Shearwater, Gannet, Nelson, Curlew, Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo and Brent Charlie platforms.

Union officials say workers’ pay and allowances could be cut by as much as 30% following the downturn in the industry.