Shetland plant facing strike action over worker wages

Workers at a large gas terminal on Shetland have voted to strike in a row over pay.

Members of trade union Unite are in dispute with Aker Solutions, a sub-contractor for Total UK that operates the Shetland Gas Plant.

Members of the union are to strike on Mondays and Wednesdays from 20 November after talks failed to reach agreement on a wage increase and holiday pay.

Unite Scotland regional officer John Boland said the union has tabled a 4 per cent wage claim and Aker have offered 1 per cent.

Aker said it was disappointed by the plans to strike and is “committed to finding a positive resolution to the situation”.

Around 80 workers will take part after 92 per cent of Unite members voted for industrial action.

Mr Boland said: “Aker Solutions’ management have consistently refused to conduct meaningful negotiations with Unite over wages and holiday pay.

“After nine months of this, the patience of workers at the plant has run out and no wonder.

The terminal started processing gas from the Laggan and Tormore fields last year. Total said the site would continue to operate safely, with operations not compromised by the strike.