North Sea oil workers warn of 'severe disruption' to UK fuel supplies
The Unite union says a vote by Apache staff to strike follows a breakdown in pay talks, with action threatening fuel supply chains across the UK.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
Workers employed by the US oil company Apache on North Sea platforms have voted to strike, a move the Unite union says could "severely disrupt" fuel supplies across the United Kingdom.
Unite said the decision to take industrial action followed the breakdown of pay negotiations with Apache, with staff left, in the union's words, with "no choice" after talks failed to produce an acceptable offer.
According to the union, Apache employees backed the strike "emphatically" in a ballot, rejecting a pay proposal that Unite characterised as amounting to a real-terms pay cut for many workers. The union pointed to what it described as substantial profits reported by the company, arguing that the proposed offer did not reflect the firm's financial performance.
Unite has not yet confirmed exact strike dates, but has signalled that disruption to Apache's North Sea operations could have knock-on effects for fuel supply chains that rely on North Sea production.
Background
The North Sea has long been a significant source of oil and gas for the UK, and industrial disputes among offshore workers have periodically raised concerns about supply reliability. Apache, a Texas-based oil and gas company, operates platforms in the region as part of its international production portfolio.
Unite has represented offshore workers in previous pay disputes with North Sea operators, and the union has said it remains open to further negotiations with Apache in an effort to avert industrial action, provided the company returns with an improved offer.
The dispute adds to a period of broader scrutiny of pay and conditions in the UK energy sector, as unions representing offshore and onshore workers have pressed employers over wages amid continued profitability in the industry.
Sources
- Strikes by North Sea oil workers could ‘severely disrupt’ UK fuel supplies — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Comments
Loading comments…
Related articles
Iran's oil minister resigns, president appoints replacement
Hamid Bovard was named acting oil minister as US sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector intensify.
Parents Saving £100 a Month Into Pensions for Young Children
A growing number of UK parents are opening retirement savings accounts for toddlers and babies, aiming to give them a financial head start decades before retirement.
UK carmakers weigh trade-off between Chinese imports and EU market access
Britain faces pressure to tax cheap Chinese vehicle imports as manufacturers try to protect access to the European market.
Experts flag growing risks to long-term energy contracts at Istanbul Arbitration Days
Panelists at the event discussed contract drafting, price volatility, investment protection and damages in energy disputes.
UK says RAF Fairford base 'safe' after US withdraws bombers
Downing Street says the airbase remains secure as Washington moves bombers back to the US following a reported threat.
English Heritage Acquires Rare Footage of 1966 Battle of Hastings Re-Enactment
The newly acquired film shows the first known re-enactment of the 1066 battle, featuring a good-natured scuffle between students from Kent and Sussex.