UK offshore workers begin 48-hour strike related to North Sea operations

Some 1,300 UK offshore workers began a 48-hour strike Apr. 24, likely causing disruptions for oil and gas contractors and operators in the UK North Sea. News of the strike was confirmed by Unite trade union Apr. 21.

The trade union said the srike action could result in production shutdowns on dozens of platforms “due to the specialized work its members undertake on offshore platforms and assets,” and will impact oil and gas operators including bp, CNRI, EnQuest, Harbour, Ithaca, Shell, TAQA, and TotalEnergies.

The strike is the latest disruption related to UK industrial workers’ actions in disputes over pay and working conditions as the country faces double-digit inflation.

“Oil and gas companies are enjoying record windfall profits, and they can easily afford to give our members a decent pay rise. The 48-hour strike action will only be the start of the tsunami of industrial unrest if contractors and operators refuse to give our offshore members the better jobs, pay and conditions they deserve,” said Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham.

The prospective action includes electrical, production, and mechanical technicians in addition to deck crew, scaffolders, crane operators, pipefitters, platers, and riggers working for Bilfinger UK Ltd., Petrofac Facilities Management, Stork Technical Services, and Sparrows Offshore Services.

Unite recently confirmed that around 70 offshore workers employed by TotalEnergies on the Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn platforms along with the Shetland gas plant are being balloted on strike action. The ballots close on May 5.

Unite has strike mandates at Petrofac BP covering around 100 members, and over 80 members employed by the Wood Group on TAQA assets. No strike dates have been announced in relation to these disputes. Unite also has a further strike mandate at Worley Services UK Ltd. involving 50 members but action has been suspended while talks continue with the company.