UK’s largest offshore trade union, Unite, is holding an industrial action ballot for Altrad workers on EnQuest-operated Magnus and Thistle Alpha platforms.
The pay dispute is based on Altrad Employment Services’ reneging on a 4% wage increase, which is due to approximately 50 workers on the platforms, effective January 1, under the Offshore Energy Services Agreement. The ballot opens today and closes on 15 October.
The workers involved in the ballot include painters, blasters, scaffolders, thermal insulators, fabric maintenance technicians, rope access, charge hands, forepersons, supervisors, and health and safety coaches.
The trade union stated that it had repeatedly attempted to resolve the dispute directly and through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Altrad to date has refused to meaningfully engage in either process, blaming the operator EnQuest.
Altrad Employment Services reported a significant increase in its revenue to £604m ($808m) in 2024, up from £385m ($515m) in 2023.
“Altrad workers fully expect their employer to honour what they are owed. The refusal by Altrad to honour this contract of employment sets a new low for the offshore workforce, which Unite will not tolerate,” said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary.
“Unite’s members in good faith took repeated assurances from Altrad that the wage increase would be paid. Out of the blue, Altrad then sent a letter to each worker reneging on this agreement. Our members have had enough, and strike action will be inevitable unless Altrad quickly come to their senses,” added Vic Fraser, Unite industrial officer.
