Petrofac offshore contractors to be balloted on strike action in dispute over pay

Unite the Union have confirmed offshore workers employed by Petrofac Facilities Management Limited will be balloted on strike action.

Around 80 contracted members including electrical, production and mechanical technicians are participating in the ballot.

Unite say they’ve been battling for months to secure a fair pay rise.

It follows similar strike action in May when 1,200 North Sea contractors walked out for 48 hours over pay and conditions.

The Petrofac contractors have rejected what they described as a real terms pay cut, and they are demanding that operator Ithaca Energy reverse its current ‘clawback’ policy of 14 days when they can be asked to work at any time for no additional payment.

This policy is said to be significantly above the industry norm of seven days, and the financial equivalent to £6,000 lost income per person.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members employed by Petrofac have been battling for months to secure a fair pay rise, and that the operator Ithaca Energy ditch their draconian 14 days clawback policy.

“We will continue to fully support our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions in the offshore sector.”

The ballots open on Monday July 10 and close on Friday August 4.

John Boland, Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite’s Petrofac members working on Ithaca Energy assets have been involved in various disputes over the last year.

“At the heart of these disputes is a failure to make the workforce a fair pay offer and to provide a good working environment.

“These latest strike ballots are testament to the fact that both Petrofac and Ithaca Energy have learned no lessons and they continue to disregard the concerns of the workforce. Simply put our members have had enough.”

Petrofac spokesperson said: “We remain committed to resolving this dispute through our continued, constructive dialogue with the union, and will monitor the result of Unite’s ballot.”

Ithaca Energy have been contacted by STV News for comment.