Offshore Strike Ballot Shelved

The threat of a major strike in the North Sea has been lifted.

Unite and the GMB unions say they've had an improved offer from the Offshore Contractors Association.

They had been balloting members on strike - now they say they'll consult with the workers on the latest deal.

The dispute is over things like sick pay and shift patterns.

Bosses say they're under increasing pressure to cut costs in the North Sea.

But the unions have accused them of using the oil price crisis to hammer the workers.