The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
North Sea workers inch closer to strike action
Pay: Deal rejection leads to formal ballot notice
A fresh war of words has broken out over pay talks between an organisation representing North Sea employers and offshore industry trades unions.
The Unite and GMB unions are embroiled in a longstanding dispute with the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA), which represents companies like Petrofac, Wood Group PSN and Stork, among others.
Union members have twice rejected a 2% pay increase.
Yesterday, Unite served notice informing the OCA it was going to ballot members for official strike action.
The union is seeking a “significant wage” rise for members, along with improved sick pay and paid travel time to an employer’s onshore base.
The OCA claims its efforts to reach a workable settlement have been “stalled” by officials from Unite and the GMB, who have “consistently refused to engage with them in reaching any settlement”.
Paul Atkinson, chief executive at the employers’ body, said: “Our offer guarantees that basic pay will be linked to inflation up to 2019, ensuring that wages keep pace with the cost of living.
“We believe that our offer balances the need to reward employees, while supporting the requirements of each OCA member company and our collective overarching aim; to ensure job opportunities in the North Sea now and in the long term.”
He added: “It is extremely disappointing the unions are refusing to engage with us on the issues that matter to their members. We will continue to do all we can to avoid any disruption.
“Industrial action will only serve to make investment in the North Sea less attractive.”
In a consultative ballot, 81% of Unite members voted to reject the latest deal put forward. It was second pay offer rejected by offshore workers.
Last December, 85% of Unite members voted to reject an OCA proposal which the union claimed would have seen no increase in their pay and no improvement to their terms and conditions.
Unite – the UK’s biggest offshore union – rounded on the OCA last night, accusing it of “spin over substance”.
John Boland, regional officer for the union, said: “Our members are growing angry over the behaviour of the OCA employers.
“Last week, we went to talks with them at Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).
“They (the OCA) told us they didn’t have the right people there to negotiate, and asked us to explain our pay claim – even though they’ve had it for months.
“They then issued a press statement saying they were disappointed with the outcome. If we are going to settle this dispute, we need substance – not spin.
“Until we get genuine commitment from the OCA to improve its offer, we will continue to act on our members’ wishes, and give them the chance to have a say on possible industrial action, including strike action.”