UK: Offshore workers to strike over pay

The UK offshore workers covered by the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) agreement have voted for industrial action.

This was confirmed by GMB, the union for offshore workers, which on Monday confirmed most of its members covered by the OCA agreement backed action in the vote on a row over pay. It follows the rejection of the OCA pay offer in July.

GMB on Monday said the relevant trade unions “are now set to meet the OCA tomorrow for crunch talks in an attempt to avoid the dispute from escalating.”

GMB members have been seeking a 4% uplift in basic pay and associated allowances. They voted for industrial action, this being for both strike and action short of strike action.

Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer, said: “Our members have made their feelings loud and clear. These workers have been instrumental in these companies’ success and they fully deserve what is effectively a cost of living increase. It is unfortunate that matters have come to this but they can be resolved if the OCA employers see sense and make a fair and reasonable offer. It’s time for the OCA to return to the table with an improved offer to avert costly disruption and reputational damage.”