350 Offshore Workers Threaten Strikes Over Pay Disputes

Roughly 350 offshore workers are preparing for strike action amid ongoing pay disputes with Repsol, CNOOC, and MCL Medics, according to the UK’s largest offshore union, Unite.

The union announced that its members employed by all three companies are either voting in strike ballots or preparing for industrial action across multiple offshore platforms.

At Repsol, more than 200 workers have rejected multiple pay offers, the latest of which proposed a 3% raise in base pay. Following a strong 92.1% vote in favor, Unite members have backed strike action.

The planned work stoppages will impact Repsol’s Arbroath, AUK, Bleoholm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmer, Montrose, and Piper Bravo platforms. A series of one-day strikes are scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on August 6, 13, and 28, with a further strike planned for September 4. A continuous ban on overtime will also be in effect.

Unite warned that industrial action could halt production on these platforms, as the striking workers include key personnel such as control room operators, electricians, supervisors, mechanics, HSE advisors, and technicians.

Meanwhile, approximately 130 CNOOC workers are participating in a ballot over disputes concerning pay, job security, and working conditions on the Buzzard, Scott, and Golden Eagle platforms. Several pay offers have been turned down, including a recent proposal for a 4.25% raise in basic pay. The ballot opened today and will conclude on August 28. Unite believes a strike here could also result in shutdowns due to the critical nature of the roles involved.

Additionally, about 20 offshore medics employed by MCL Medics and stationed on Harbour Energy’s Armada, Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond, and North Everest platforms are voting on possible strike action over pay and training allowances. These frontline medical professionals have yet to receive any formal offer regarding basic salary. Their ballot, which opened this week, is set to close on August 26.

“Hundreds of offshore workers have been left with no choice but to take strike action or to hold ballots due to the greed of their employers. There is still time to resolve these disputes, and we would urge these companies to get back around the negotiating table before platforms are brought to a standstill,” said Unite industrial officer John Boland.