North Sea workers accept new deal averting strike action

Offshore workers on a North Sea project who had threatened strike action have accepted a new pay offer.

Unite confirmed members working for Aker Solutions on the Mariner oil platform had voted in favour of the deal.

The Mariner project, operated by Equinor, is around 95 miles east of Shetland.

Last month around 200 workers had voted to strike in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The union said 68% of members on an 88% turnout had accepted a new offer made by Aker management following negotiations.

It addressed areas of concern including training and standby and bonus payments.

Unite regional officer John Boland said: “Unite members have accepted the latest offer by Aker on the basis of securing a number of significant improvements from the previous offer.

“Aker correctly recognised that more needed to be done on the outstanding issues which resulted in the mandate for industrial action.

“We are pleased that there has been a successful resolution to these negotiations which have been conducted in a constructive manner and our members concerns have been addressed.

“This is a major victory and will set the level for future projects in the North Sea, and shows the value of being in a strong union.”

An Aker spokesman added: “Aker Solutions was today notified by trade unions Unite and GMB that, following a consultative ballot, its members employed by Aker Solutions on the Mariner project have accepted a restructured offer for enhanced terms and conditions.

“This is an encouraging step and we now look forward to focusing on successfully completing this important project."