Offshore workers to vote on strike over pay

Offshore workers are to be balloted for industrial action in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

Members of the Unite and GMB unions will vote in the coming weeks on whether to launch action after talks with the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) and the conciliation service Acas broke down.

The move comes after union members last month voted to reject a new pay offer from North Sea employers.

“Offshore workers are gearing up to campaign for a Yes vote,” said Unite regional officer Tommy Campbell. “It is time for all union members to stand up now, and fight back for better terms and conditions.”

The OCA said it was "extremely disappointed" at the news. Chief executive Paul Atkinson said: "We believe that the OCA has acted as a fair negotiator throughout this process and that our approach balances the needs of employees with the requirements of business."

He added: "Industrial action will only serve to make investment in the North Sea less attractive and jeopardise the long-term future of the industry.”

The OCA represents nine companies including Amec Foster Wheeler, Petrofac and Wood Group.