Unite the union confirmed that around 100 offshore drillers employed by Odfjell Technology (UK) Ltd working on Equinor’s Mariner platform are set to strike over three months to secure improvements to working rotas.
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Unite members voted unanimously in favour of strike action, and by 99 per cent in favour of a continuous overtime ban on a high turnout. The members involved in the dispute encompasses all deck crew.
The industrial action entails a series of 24-hour strikes taking place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for 12 consecutive weeks.
The action will begin on Monday 29 January and end on Saturday 20 April. A continuous overtime ban will also be in place throughout the 12-week period.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Odfjell drillers on the Mariner platform are ready to take their employer head-on. Unite will fully support our members in their fight for a better work and life balance.
“Unite is entirely focussed on enhancing the job, pay and conditions of its members and the Odfjell workers have the union’s unwavering support.â€
Unite is predicting that due to the scale and length of industrial action it will effectively close down all drilling activity on Equinor’s Mariner platform, and it could impact on production.
The dispute centres on the drillers fighting for a better work and life balance. Unite is reporting that its members are recording concerns over physical and mental burn out, fatigue, and stress due to staff shortages.
The Odfjell members work 12-hour shifts for three weeks at a time, but they must also conduct any required training during their field breaks.
Vic Fraser Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite has fought long and hard for an improved working rotation in the interests of safety and a better working environment. Odfjell is ignoring the serious concerns which our members are raising.â€
“The only way that this dispute can be solved is if Odfjell discuss with Unite changes to the working rotation. Our members are resolute and they are prepared to strike over 12 weeks, until the company sees sense. The action will undoubtedly have a major impact and will in effect bring the Mariner platform to a standstill.â€
Odfjell Technology (UK) Ltd released its annual accounts on 29 August 2023, which indicate the company increased its annual profit after taxation to £6.1m in 2022 up from £2.6m in 2021. ■