Unions launch strike at Wood Group fire and rehire

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The electrical, production, instrument and mechanical technicians on board the Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond and North Everest platforms, owned by the Wood Group and operated by Harbour energy, were set to launch a 48 hours strike from on Tuesday.

Further action is planned for October 20 to 21, and November 3 to 4 unless Wood Group ditches its “slash-and-burn” approach, according to Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

“This is a profitable company and it is despicable that it is threatening to fire and rehire its workers,” she said.

“This is corporate greed in its worst form.” 

Accusing Wood of having “inflamed the situation” with the threat of fire and rehire, RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey added: “Our members are not asking for special treatment.

“They are standing up to defend the terms and conditions they already have.”

In a statement, the Wood Group said it had “received notification of planned industrial action,” adding: “Personnel and operational safety remain our top priority.”