UK’s largest offshore trade union, Unite, has announced that 48-hour strike action involving over 400 Bilfinger UK employees has been suspended following an improved offer from the company.
The strike, scheduled for February 19 and 20, was set to affect offshore assets operated by BP, CNR, Ineos, Ithaca, and TAQA. Bilfinger workers initially backed strike action by 97.6% voting in favour in a fight to secure a fairer pension deal.
If the strike went through, BP assets that would have been hit were Andrew, Clair, Clair Ridge, ETAP, Glen Lyon, and Mungo. CNR assets listed for a possible strike were Ninian Central, Ninian South, and Tiffany. Ineos was supposed to be the least hit, with Unity being the only asset in danger of possible worker action.
Ithaca will breathe a sigh of relief since its Alba FSU, Alba North, Captain FPSO, Captain WPP, FPF 1, and Safe Caledonia will not be hit by strike action. Cormorant Alpha, Brae Alpha, and Harding, all operated by TAQA, will also be safe from strike.
Unite said that Bilfinger has returned to the negotiating table, due to the threat of strike action, to make an offer which would increase the company’s contributions to the pension scheme. A consultative ballot on the new offer will close on February 23, 2026.
“The determination of our members has forced Bilfinger back to the negotiating table. Our members will now decide whether this new offer is enough to bring this dispute to a close,” said Paula Buchan, Unite industrial officer.
