Around 1,650 oil and gas workers in the UK will begin two fresh rounds of strikes over pay, jobs, and working conditions in the offshore industry.
Unite, a workers’ unit in the UK, said the fresh strikes will be organised from 1 June to 3 June and then from 8 June to 10 June.
Along with the deck crew; crane operators, pipefitters, platers, riggers, and scaffolders, the likely action also involves electrical, production, and mechanical technicians.
These offshore contractors work for Bilfinger UK, Stork Technical Services, and Sparrows Offshore Services.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “With the support of their union Unite, an army of 1,650 offshore workers are taking the fight to multi-billion oil and gas corporations. The latest rounds of strike action in June will see the biggest group of offshore workers to date taking strike action.
“Unfettered corporate profiteering at the expense of our members will not go unchallenged. Unite is determined to deliver better jobs, pay and conditions in the offshore sector, and deliver we will.”
Numerous multibillion-dollar oil and gas operators, including Apache, bp, Enquest, Harbour Energy, Ithaca, Repsol, Shell, and TAQA, will be impacted by the latest 48-hour strike action, the union said.
The strikes follow similar stoppages in April and May.
According to the union, the previous strikes caused “severe” issues at leading oil and gas companies.
Last week, some 600 workers at Bilfinger rejected its offer and decided to participate in the new round of stoppages.
At the time, according to BBC, Bilfinger said: “We respect the right for peaceful and planned strike action and will continue to engage with the unions, our clients and our colleagues to come to a positive resolution.
“Operational safety remains our top priority and we have procedures in place to minimise any potential disruption.”
