UK’s largest offshore trade union, Unite, has revealed that its members working on CNOOC platforms in the North Sea have agreed to a pay increase after threatening strike action.
Around 130 workers have overwhelmingly backed a pay deal with offshore operator CNOOC. The basic pay increase is worth 5.5%, with further improvements to allowances worth an additional 7%.
The overall package is equivalent to an uplift amounting to £8,000 (around $11,000) for members working on the Buzzard, Scott, and Golden Eagle platforms, depending on their role.
The workers were balloted on industrial action over pay and conditions on the three platforms. Several offers concerning pay and allowances have previously been rejected. In July, a 4.25% increase in basic pay was rejected.
There was a possibility of industrial action, which could have led to the shutdown of CNOOC’s platforms. However, an agreement between the workers and the Chinese firm was reached.
The CNOOC workers include control room operators, supervisors, electricians, technicians, and mechanics.
“Unite has successfully delivered its latest wage win for offshore workers, this time for those employed by CNOOC. It’s a significant increase which only came about due to our members being prepared to take strike action to get a better deal,” said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary.
