First minister pays tribute to ‘phenomenal’ oil workers as he calls for end to strikes

'I’m really hoping they can solve this dispute'

By Hamish Penman

May 11 2023, 7:00 am

Image: Shutterstock

Humza Yousaf has called for all parties to resolve strikes taking place across the North Sea oil and gas industry.

The first minister also saluted the “phenomenal contribution” offshore oil and gas workers have made to Scotland over the years.

More than 1,000 people employed by the likes of Wood, Petrofac and Stork downed tools yesterday morning as part of a fresh round of strikes.

Picket lines on dozens of platforms

Co-ordinated by Unite the Union, the dispute is over basic rates of pay for offshore workers, as well as working conditions and shift patterns.

This latest set of strikes is due to wrap up tomorrow morning, but union bosses have warned members “remain fully prepared to fight on for a better deal”.

Dozens of North Sea assets operated by a variety of companies have seen picket lines, with 1,200 workers walking out.

These matters are between employers and employees, and they have to be resolved.”

Humza Yousaf

Among the platforms impacted are Brent Charlie, Buzzard and Shearwater, as well as the Triton floating production and offloading vessel.

Speaking at the All-Energy conference in Glasgow yesterday, Mr Yousaf said: “We are absolutely committed to fair work, and we’ve made that a central tenet of our government.

Offshore workers staging a protest outside Petrofac’s offices in Aberdeen. Image: Unite the Union

“These matters are between employers and employees, and they have to be resolved.

“Our oil and gas workers have made a phenomenal contribution to Scotland, and I’m really hoping they can solve this dispute.”

Mr Yousaf also made the case for there being “no new extraction” of hydrocarbons from the North Sea, unless there is a “good reason to do so”.

Long-running issue

Fuelling the fires of worker indignation are the eye-watering balance sheets of oil and gas companies, with a number of majors recoding record profits in 2022.

First quarter figures for 2023 have delivered even more big returns for these operators.

Unite general-secretary Shauna Wright recently branded BP’s Q1 takings a “huge slap in the face” to offshore employees grappling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Strikes have been a near weekly occurrence in the North Sea for well over a year, sparking concerns about the UK’s security of supply.

Following the culmination of the first round of strikes, trade body Offshore Energies UK called for engagement to find a constructive way to address concerns.