Offshore workers strike ballot on hold

A strike ballot to resolve a dispute for changes in working terms for offshore workers has been put on hold as union members consider a new offer to their terms. GMB […]

A strike ballot to resolve a dispute for changes in working terms for offshore workers has been put on hold as union members consider a new offer to their terms.

GMB and Unite officials will consult members on a new offer which emerged at talks in Aberdeen yesterday.

The changes to working conditions are covered by the Offshore Contractors Agreement (OCA) in UK waters.

The OCA is the body for offshore contractors based in Scotland.

The agreement covers members working in mechanical, electrical and allied services, construction, modifications and maintenance work, design and project engineering, fabrication and decommissioning.

David Hulse, GMB National Officer, said: “These latest talks with OCA went well. We have a new offer on the table. We will now put the improved offer to members for them to consider.

“We have put giving notice of the official strike ballot on hold while members consider the new offer. We will continue to prepare for the ballot should it be necessary to go ahead with it.”

This comes after the unions were going to go ahead with the ballot after unsuccessful talks to resolve the issue at the end of last month.

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