North Sea oil workers announce new 48-hour strike

North Sea workers are to stage a 48-hour strike next week in a dispute over their pay and allowances.

Oil and gas workers will stage a new 48-hour strike over pay. Picture: Getty Images

The action will affect seven Shell platforms from 6.30am on August 4.

Members of the Unite and RMT unions are in dispute with their employer Wood Group.

The action follows industrial action this week, including a 24-hour stoppage on Tuesday.

Next week’s strike affects the Shearwater, Gannet, Nelson, Curlew, Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo and Brent Charlie platforms.

Union officials say workers’ pay and allowances could be cut by as much as 30% following the downturn in the industry.

• READ MORE: North Sea oil workers begin first 24 hour strike in pay row

Dave Stewart, chief executive officer for Wood Group’s eastern region business unit, said: “We are hugely disappointed that the significant movements we have made to reach a resolution have clearly not been acknowledged by the unions.

“I must stress none of our employees are being offered terms and conditions below the Offshore Partnership Agreement, agreed by the unions only this year; nor will they be.

“The majority of our employees will still be paid significantly above these terms and conditions.

“Safeguarding these jobs in the North Sea now and in the future against the backdrop of an extremely challenging economic climate remains our firm commitment.

“It is estimated that 120,000 jobs will be lost in the UK by the end of 2016 due to the prolonged low oil price.

“We believe safeguarding jobs should be a mutual goal shared by the unions and we would encourage them to work with us to realign the cost base if we are to sustain this mature industry and employment opportunities long into the future.”

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