UK North Sea Contractors to Kick Off ‘Tsunami’ of Strike Action

Around 150 contractors employed by Sparrows Offshore Services are set to begin strike action on Wednesday, April 5, with stoppages planned to continue up to June 9, the Unite union announced Monday.

The industrial action centers on a dispute over pay and will impact more than 20 oil and gas platforms, including those operated by major companies such as Apache, Shell and Harbour Energy.

The workers involved include crane operatives, maintainers, lifting personnel and deck crew, and are part of Sparrows’ ‘Flying Squad’, which provides maintenance support across all installations.

UK Offshore Platforms Face ‘Standstill’ as Workers Plan Strike

Unite has backed the action and is also threatening a ‘tsunami’ of strikes by electricians, production and mechanical technicians, deck crew, scaffolders, crane operators, pipefitters, platers and riggers.

The dispute highlights the anger among workers at the highly profitable nature of North Sea oil and gas operations and follows reports of record profits at companies such as BP and Shell.

“Oil and gas companies in the North Sea have had massive windfall profits so there’s no question that they can afford to give Unite members a decent pay rise,” said Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham. “Around 150 Sparrows offshore workers will lead the fight for a decent deal in what is going to be a tsunami of industrial action to challenge the profiteering of North Sea operators and contractors.”

Oil and gas platforms to be impacted by industrial action include: Ap1, Auk Brae, Alpha, Brent Charlie, Bruce, Cleeton, Claymore, Clyde, Cpc1, Eider Alpha, Flying Squad, Gannet Harding, Heather, Ineos Unity, Jade, Judy, Lomond, Magnus, North Cormorant, North Everest, Ravenspurn North, Tern Alpha, Thistle Alpha & Seton House, Denmore Road, Murcar Industrial Estate, Bridge Of Don Aberdeen, AB23 8JW.