Union in ‘race to bottom’ claim as North Sea industrial action edges closer

North Sea workers are to vote on industrial action over jobs, pay and shifts after showing strong support for a ballot.

Members of Unite and the GMB have given the go-ahead for an official ballot, which the unions warned could see a first North Sea strike for a generation.

Unions say thousands of jobs have been lost since the slump in oil prices, while firms are proposing changes to shifts, pay and holidays, despite help for the industry in the Budget.

Members of both unions voted in a consultative ballot heavily in favour of having a vote on industrial action.

Pat Rafferty, Scottish secretary of Unite, said firms were taking advantage of an opportunity to make cuts.

“The industry agenda is clear in that it wants to impose a reduced number of employees to work longer and for much less,” he said.

“It’s a ‘race to the bottom’ disease that is both unsustainable and unacceptable.

Dave Hulse of the GMB said: “The vote quite clearly demonstrates the anger and frustration of our members employed in the offshore industry.

“Members are prepared to strongly oppose the changes from clients and contractors.”