Business / Gas plant workers to be balloted
SHETLAND Gas Plant is one of a number of industry facilities operated by TotalEnergies which could be affected by industrial action later this year.
Trade union Unite has just started balloting more than 600 offshore workers at Ponticell and Semco, operating as a consortium call PBS, who are employed on platforms and facilities operated by the French oil and gas company.
The union says workers stand to lose thousands of pounds due to changes in employees’ terms and conditions.
They accused both companies of a “slash and burn” mentality.
Semco Maritime specialises in electrical technicians and instrument technicians.
Ponticelli provides mechanical technicians, pipefitters, instrument technicians, operation and production technicians, riggers, and deck-crew.
Unite industrial officer John Boland said: “The proposed cuts to pay, pensions, and the wider terms and conditions of workers employed by Ponticelli UK and Semco Maritime is tantamount to slash and burn.
“Some of our members face the horrific situation of having their pension cut potentially by up to £40,000.”
“Let’s not forget we are dealing with profitable employers and for them to launch this attack on our members will not go unopposed.”
PBS director Andreas Christophersen said: “We continue to work closely with our employee representatives and unions to achieve the best possible outcome.
“Ultimately our goal is to deliver jobs for longer in an increasingly volatile marketplace, and we have to work together to achieve this.”
The ballots open today (18 October) and they are set to close on 15 November.
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