News / Gas plant strike averted after pay deal
STRIKE action at the Shetland Gas Plant has been called off after workers accepted an improved pay offer.
The new deal includes a base salary increase of 15 per cent and a commitment from operator Total that it will not negatively change the shift rota for the next three years.
The three weeks on, three weeks off rota proposed by Total will stay in place, however, on the basis of 168 working days, which will include two weeks holiday.
The improved pay offer was backed by 65 per cent of Unite workers who voted in a ballot.
Unite regional industrial officer John Boland said: “Following months of negotiations, Unite members have secured a significant victory at the Shetland Gas Plant.
“A 15 per cent base increase and a substantial bonus for the workforce has been awarded.
“While Unite has serious concerns over the 3/3 rota system remaining in place, which we will continue to forensically monitor, we have agreed a generous package available to those that wish to leave and received a commitment by Total not to make adverse changes to the rota system for next three years.
“On balance, our members have agreed to this new offer and all industrial action is now cancelled.”
A spokesman for Total said the company welcomes the end of the dispute.
“Through positive engagement with our staff and their representatives we have agreed a new working pattern that will lower costs, improve efficiency and enhance our operational excellence,” he said.
“Today’s agreement makes our operations more sustainable for the long-term, which is good news for the future.”
Total remains in negotiations with workers on the Alwyn, Elgin and Dunbar offshore platforms over a similar issue.
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