THE chances of a strike taking place that could cripple North sea oil and gas production were increased yesterday when GMB, the main union for offshore workers, began an industrial action ballot of members working under the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) national agreement.
A statement from the GMB said: “Our members have more than played their part in ensuring OCA employers achieve very healthy profits – they fully deserve what is effectively a cost of living increase.”
The union said the industrial action ballot has come at the end of a lengthy process and set of pay negotiations, which has seen two offers rejected by members.
Negotiations with the OCA have been ongoing since January this year. The ballot will close on November 5.
GMB members are seeking a 4% uplift in basic pay and associated allowances. They are being balloted on whether they wish to support industrial strike action and action short of strike action.
The union said that if there is a vote in favour either or both of these ballot questions, industrial action would take place from November 2018.
Ross Murdoch, GMB National Officer, said: “It is unfortunate that matters have come to this. However our members have more than played their part in ensuring OCA employers achieve very healthy profits –they fully deserve what is effectively a cost of living increase.
“The door is still open for OCA employers to return to the bargaining table with an improved offer to avert what could potentially be costly disruption in terms of both cost and reputation.”
Last week, the Unite trade union announced the launch of its own strike action ballot for its 2500 members covered by the OCA agreement.
Their ballot will close on November 2.
The OCA , which represents contractor companies involved in a range of activities in the offshore oil and gas industry, has previously said it wanted a viable settlement.
Commenting on the Unite ballot, OCA chief executive Paul Atkinson said: “We have worked very closely with trade union officials to create a sustainable employment model that provides the workforce with greater stability whilst also improving the utilisation of resources.
“We are disappointed Unite has decided to ballot their members for industrial action. Our offer remains on the table.”
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