Oil and gas operators in the North Sea have been cautioned about the possibility of an overwhelming wave of industrial turmoil after workers voted in favour of a strike over job security, salary, and working conditions.
Unite, the trade union, revealed that approximately 1,400 of its members in various firms that operate in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) are involved in the disagreement.
The union cautioned that platforms and offshore facilities will come to a “halt” due to the specialized positions of its members. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, stated that oil and gas firms have been given the freedom to generate massive windfall gains in the North Sea, with drilling licenses serving as licenses to print money.
She continued that 1,400 offshore workers are now prepared to strike against these employers who are profiting but refusing to offer them a fair portion of the profits. This will create a massive wave of industrial unrest in the offshore industry.
The potential action includes electrical, production, and mechanical technicians as well as deck crew, scaffolders, crane operators, pipefitters, platers, and riggers. Unite has pledged to assist these members in their fight for better jobs, pay, and conditions every step of the way.
