Strikes on Total’s UK Rigs Scrapped

Strikes at Total’s North Sea rigs have been called off, with unions claiming that the industrial action has been derailed by “intimidation”.

Strikes have been ongoing in recent weeks at the French producer’s Elgin, Alwyn and Dunbar platforms and the onshore Shetland Gas Plant, operated by Petrofac and Aker Solutions, over changes to shift patterns. The latest 24-hour stoppage had been planned for March 27.

However, the Unite union said that many workers have now accepted the new contracts under pressure and threats of intimidation and termination.

In a statement, Unite’s John Boland said: “Under intense pressure and threats of termination from Aker and Petrofac most of our members have now signed up to the new contracts that include the changes to Rota and Terms and Conditions. With members now agreeing to the new contract that includes these changes, the dispute is ended."

The dispute is separate from the threat of industrial action at BP platforms owned by Petrofac, although centres on the same issue of shifts. Unite union members voted March 20 to launch action, with the dates to be announced.