Unite intensifies Apache and Wood strikes on the North Sea

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UNITE has vowed to intensify North Sea strike action as operators attack pay, terms and conditions.

The union’s warning came ahead of about 170 Apache workers striking tomorrow amid a long-running dispute over wages and a seven-day “claw back” policy which leaves technicians and radio operators left to work shifts for effectively no pay.

Announcing another three days of action involving seven of the company’s platforms beginning on November 13, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s membership has no option but to escalate their strike action in the face of a belligerent offshore operator which is making billions.

“This is a company driven by one simple motive and that is shameful corporate greed.”

As the strike at Apache intensifies, the union has also vowed to escalate its action at the Wood Group as its 48-hour strike against pay cuts and the use of fire and rehire comes to a close.

Announcing a fresh two-day strike from November 17, Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser said: “The Wood Group are behaving like a rogue employer.”

A Wood spokesperson said: “We are aware of industrial action involving 1 employee working on a single Harbour Energy asset under one of our contracts. Participation has been limited to that asset, with no disruption to operations.

“Wood employs approximately 200 people across Harbour Energy assets, and those impacted have accepted revised terms and conditions, which continue to exceed the minimum terms set by the Energy Services Agreement (ESA).

“Wood engaged extensively with employees and trade unions throughout the consultation process.”

An Apache spokesperson described its four per cent pay offer as “fair,” adding: “The seven days described as “claw back” are part of employees’ contractual working arrangements and are paid through their base salary. Our current contractual rota arrangements have been operational since January 2020. 

“Apache has engaged constructively, including inviting ACAS to help resolve the dispute. 

“We respect employees’ right to participate in lawful industrial action, should they choose to do so, and remain open to dialogue. 

“Our offer remains available for acceptance by the union.”