Offshore Contractors balloted on strike action in pay dispute

Less than a week after strikes on four North Sea platforms were brought to an end - there's another ballot starting today on industrial action offshore.

This time it's contractors who're being asked if they want to walk out - they're demanding a 4% pay rise.

The GMB say they've helped companies achieve healthy profits - and they deserve a share.

If there is a vote in favour of strike action or action short of strikes, that would take place from November 2018.

Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer, said:

"It is unfortunate that matters have come to this.

“However our members have more than played their part in ensuring OCA employers achieve very healthy profits –they fully deserve what is effectively a cost of living increase.

“The door is still open for OCA employers to return to the bargaining table with an improved offer to avert what could potentially be costly disruption in terms of both cost and reputation."

Paul Atkinson, Chief Executive of the Offshore Contractors Association said: “We have worked very closely with Trade Union officials to create a sustainable employment model that provides the workforce with greater stability whilst also improving the utilisation of resources.

“We are disappointed that the GMB has decided to ballot their members for industrial action but it’s important to remember that our offer remains on the table."