A strike action at Equinor’s Mariner platform in the UK North Sea has been averted after over 100 offshore drillers employed by Odfjell Technology secured a new working rotation, bringing the dispute to an end.
Unite, Scotland’s leading offshore trade union, said its members voted overwhelmingly in favour of an improved offer by Odfjell, calling off a series of 24-hour strikes that were scheduled to start on Monday and last for 12 consecutive weeks.
The deal consists of the drillers now shifting to an improved working rotation of two weeks on and three weeks off, which was at the centre of the dispute. It also includes enhancements to pay, terms and conditions, the union added.
Vic Fraser, Unite industrial officer, said: “The Odfjell deal is another great result for Unite members in the offshore sector. Not only does this deal give the drillers a safer work and life balance, but it also delivers parity with other workers on the Mariner platform.”
Unite is involved in a series of disputes over offshore members fighting for a better work-life balance. It warned that its offshore members are increasingly recording concerns over physical and mental burnout, fatigue, and stress due to staff shortages.
“Many offshore workers work 12-hour shifts for three weeks at a time, but they must also conduct any required training during their field breaks,” the union noted.
