'˜Constructive' talks on resolving North Sea pay row

Oil and gas unions have had constructive discussions with the Wood Group in an ongoing dispute over pay, the parties said in a joint statement.

Talks on resolving the dispute will continue into next week. Picture: Hemedia

Two days of talks have been held and they will continue into next week, the statement issued by Wood Group, Unite and the RMT said.

The joint statement said: “These talks, which are allowing all parties to bring ideas to the table, involved union officials, offshore shop stewards and Wood Group management.

“These collaborative discussions have demonstrated a clear, shared understanding of the issues being raised by all parties, plus the challenges facing the North Sea.”

It added: “We remain focused on reaching a mutually acceptable outcome which demonstrates collective leadership in shaping the future of the North Sea. During this period, and to facilitate open and honest discussions, neither Wood Group nor the unions will make any public statements in relation to this matter.”

A 24-hour strike on 26 July was the first in the North Sea in nearly 30 years and was followed by a 48-hour stoppage the following week. The platforms involved are the Curlew, Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo, Brent Charlie, Nelson, Gannet and Shearwater.

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