Offshore workers vote to reject pay deal
81% of Unite members voted to reject the latest deal put forward by their employers, represented by the Offshore Contractors Association.
Last updated 20th Mar 2017
North Sea workers have voted to reject a pay offer.
In a consultative ballot, members of the Unite and GMB Unions voted to reject the latest deal put forward by their employers, represented by the Offshore Contractors Association.
This is the second pay offer rejected by Unite members. In December, 85% of Unite members voted to reject a previous OCA proposal that would have seen no increase in their pay and no improvement to their terms and conditions.
Unite regional officer Tommy Campbell said: “We have repeatedly warned the OCA employers and other offshore employers that we cannot simply have a race to the bottom, with companies competing with each other to suppress the pay and conditions of offshore workers.
“It’s bad for our members and it’s bad for the local economies that rely on their incomes.
“Those companies who invest in their workers and see them as genuine partners will reap the benefits in the future. Those who don’t will end up lagging behind, and will always face the possibility of industrial action from their workforce.
“We will now consult with our union members and Unite workplace representatives about the way forward, given they now have a mandate for an industrial action ballot following the rejection of the pay offer.”
Unite is seeking a significant wage increase for members, along with improved sick pay and paid travel time to an employer’s onshore base.
61% of GMB members also voted to reject the latest deal. Dave Hulse, GMB National Officer said:
“This result comes as little surprise given the attacks our members have faced on their pay, terms and conditions in recent years. The offer the employers have made is just not up to scratch.”
“Our members believe that over recent times they have been treated with contempt - enough is enough.”
Responding, Paul Atkinson, CEO of the Offshore Contractors Association said: “We are extremely disappointed that members of the trade unions who took part in the consultative ballot have rejected our pay offer.
“Our priority is to find ways of avoiding industrial action. We will continue to maintain an on-going dialogue with union officials in an attempt to bring this to a resolution.”