UK Offshore Strike Starts

UK contractors working for Aker and Petrofac on the Total-owned Alwyn, Dunbar and Elgin platforms started a 24-hour strike at 0700 March 11, as they said they would March 5. It is the first in a series of planned stoppages related to the imposition of a new shift system and worse compensation. A further four 24-hour stoppages are due March 19, 27, April 2 and April 12, Unite said.

Their employers started a 30-day consultation for Aker members and a 45-day consultation for Petrofac members on their new terms and March 8 they issued new contracts, giving members one week to sign. 

Unite's offshore membership are in good spirts and remain determined to see this dispute through to the end, Unite said, adding it will be looking to escalate the industrial action if necessary. It said it would do everything possible to defend its members from these oppressive employers.