Total UK Strike On Offshore, Vice Versa

adds penultimate para, with remark from labour union Unite

Total said August 13 that an offshore UK strike has been called, but said a strike at its onshore Shetland gas process plant had been settled.

"Total E&P UK confirms that a 12-hour stoppage has gone ahead on its northern North Sea and Central Graben Area platforms. Total is continuing to engage with its offshore workforce about changing working patterns to three weeks on/three weeks off," the French major said.

Its statement continued: "Total also welcomes the end of this dispute at the Shetland Gas Plant. Through positive engagement with our staff and their representatives we have agreed a new three weeks on/three weeks off working pattern that will lower costs, improve efficiency and enhance our operational excellence."

The BBC reported August 10 that workers at the plant had voted to accept a new pay offer, but said offshore workers on the Alwyn, Elgin and Dunbar platforms were still planning to go on strike.

Labour union Unite said August 13 that its strike on the Alwyn, Dunbar and Elgin platforms went ahead as planned, starting midday for 12 hours on all three platforms. It said that Unite reps met the company on August 9 but that "talks were not very productive."  The union on July 23 announced planned 24-hour strikes on August 6 and 20, and 12-hour strikes on July 30 and August 13; as of now, the August 20 stoppage has not been called off.

Total is one of the largest UK gas and oil producers and the expected loss of production has led to upward pressure in prompt spot UK-NBP gas prices, even though demand in the summer is relatively weak.