Workers employed by Bilfinger UK on several North Sea platforms have said they are downing tools as they seek an increase to pay.
Fabric maintenance workers on the TotalEnergies-operated Elgin installation and Safe Caledonia flotel downed tools last night, according to The Press and Journal’s sister website Energy Voice.
A Telegram group with more than 650 members, seen by a reporter, includes workers on the BP-operated Etap and Glen Lyon installations, the Harbour Energy-operated Judy platform, and others, all claiming to have downed tools today.
It’s thought workers for Wood are also taking action on the Etap. Action is also said to be taking place on the Taqa Tern Alpha.
The employees are seeking an increase to base rates of £7 per hour, following the surge in oil and gas prices and increases to inflation.
One person, who said he represents the wider group, said: “The cost of living has went up dramatically and the wages, on the other hand, have went down or stalled dramatically.”
He cited oil and gas company profits being “at an all-time high” as part of the justification for the action.
A spokesperson for Bilfinger UK said: “We understand that Bilfinger UK is one of a group of contractors with employees downing tools on assets in the North Sea.
“We are working closely with our clients and employees to resolve this as soon as possible.”
Bluntly, the industry needs to snap out of its complacency and listen to the concerns of the workers it cannot do without.”
GMB Scotland organiser Dom Pritchard
GMB Scotland organiser Dom Pritchard said: “The industrial unrest is not surprising – it’s the inevitable response to employers who have been racing to the bottom for years on pay and conditions.
“GMB has previously warned the industry that it needs to drag itself into the future, so it can retain and recruit the people who will deliver the oil and gas we need on the journey to net zero and beyond.
“Bluntly, the industry needs to snap out of its complacency and listen to the concerns of the workers it cannot do without.”
All time high profits
Soaring oil and gas prices have led to record profits for several North Sea operators and also prompted calls they pay a windfall tax.
Last night, plans to impose a windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas firms were voted down in the House of Commons, despite garnering support from both sides of the political aisle.
Labour had put forth an amendment to the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday, in which it called for a new tax on the profits of oil and gas producers to provide “much-needed relief” from soaring energy prices for households.
Shadow climate minister Ed Miliband had previously said that in the context of a worsening cost of living crisis and record oil and gas profits, the government’s decision not to pursue the measure was “shameful”.
The apparent wildcat industrial action in the North Sea takes place as inflation has once again soared to levels not seen in 40 years, driven largely by the cost of oil and gas.
Bilfinger, Wood, BP, Harbour Energy and TotalEnergies have been contacted for comment, as has the Unite union.
More follows.
