Deal ends oil workers' strike action

Trade union Unite confirmed on Friday that more than 200 members, employed by Petrofac on Repsol Sinopec’s North Sea assets including those at Arbroath and Montrose, have accepted an improved pay offer.

Following a lengthy negotiation process, the deal will result in enhancements to allowances, and a salary increase of up to 20.2%.

That is the cash equivalent of up to £18,000, Unite said.

Petrofac workers agreed to the latest offer by 84% on a ballot turnout of 97%, bringing an end to weeks of North Sea strikes, the most recent of which took place in December.

The dispute had centred on the removal of a 10 per cent Equal Time payment, what the union said was years of below inflationary pay increases and issues around payments for Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) medicals, mileage and stand-in duties.

Other installations included Auk, Bleo Holm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmar Alpha, Piper Bravo, Saltire, Tartan Alpha, and Flotta oil terminal. The workers involved include electrical and mechanical technicians, deck crew, controllers and riggers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Thanks to their stand, hundreds of workers will now receive a salary increase which could be worth up to £18,000. It is a perfect example of how Unite delivers for workers and how workers can collectively take on a wealthy company and get what they deserve.”

Unite industrial officer John Boland, on behalf of the Petrofac workforce across the various installations added: “Unite members have shown their determination in this dispute to recover previous reductions in their salary, and have taken strike action to achieve this outcome. This shows what can be achieved by a strong organised workforce led by a strong trade union.”

A Petrofac spokesperson said: “Following industrial action by some employees working on Repsol Sinopec assets, a resolution has been reached. Our thanks to both Petrofac and Repsol Sinopec teams who worked to minimise disruption and ensure no increased risk to safety or the environment during this period.”