Wood Group workers to be balloted over strike action
More than 200 offshore workers are to be balloted on strike action.
More than 200 offshore workers are to be balloted on strike action.
This is the latest move from unions in their pay dispute with Wood Group.
They're furious at the latest pay cut for contractors on eight of Shell's North Sea platforms.
The company's planning to cut the rate by 22% - but union leaders claim that when other allowances are factored in, it's effectively a 30% reduction.
They say that while their members are not immune to the challenges facing the sector, the price of oil is actually double what it was in January, and they're accusing firms of using the crisis to hammer the workers.
Members of Unite - as well as the GMB and RMT unions - will be asked if they want to go out on strike, and whether they want to take industrial action short of a strike.
The ballot begins next Wednesday and any action will start on the 20th of July.
Regional Industrial Officer John Boland, said: “Unite members are not immune to the challenges facing the oil and gas industry. We along with other trade unions in the offshore coordinating group have been leading the debate on the need to hold an emergency summit involving the Scottish and UK Governments, employers and trade unions to deliver greater support for the sector.
“However due to the intransigence of the Wood Group seeking to impose pay cuts of up to 30 per cent then our members have been faced with no other option but to consider strike action.
"We remain committed to negotiations with the company and urge them to get back round the table but they must be prepared to work with us to find an agreed settlement. If they do not respond positively then Unite will resolutely act to support and protect our members.”