Apache workers back motion to escalate strike action to three-day period over 'unacceptable offer'

A union has warned more than 170 North Sea oil workers will escalate strike action due to an “unacceptable pay offer”.

Apache staff have backed industrial action over a pay dispute after rejecting a 4% pay increase, which Unite said would amount to a real-terms pay cut.

Workers from across platforms in the North Sea, including electrical, instrument, mechanical and production technicians alongside telecoms technicians and radio operators, will now walk out over three days.

It comes after two previous periods of 24-hour strike action on November 4 and on October 19.

Strike action by Unite members initially involving the Forties Alpha, Forties Bravo, Forties Delta and Beryl Bravo platforms will begin at 6pm on Friday and will conclude at 5.59pm on Saturday.

Apache workers on the Forties Charlie, Forties Echo and Beryl Alpha platforms will then start strike action at 6am on Sunday until 05.59am on Monday morning.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s membership has no option but to escalate their strike action in the face of a belligerent offshore operator which is making billions of pounds in profit. This is a company driven by one simple motive and that is shameful corporate greed.

“We will support our Apache members all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Dougie Maguire, Unite Scottish deputy secretary, added: “Many of our Apache members are being offered a real terms pay cut. There is a detrimental claw back policy in place which is above the industry average, and Apache has threatened to withhold back pay.

“Those are irrefutable facts, and it is unacceptable.

“The previous stoppage brought all seven assets to a standstill, and we have no choice but to escalate our action until Apache gets back round the table with an offer which is acceptable to our members.”