Business / Worley workers walk out at Sullom Voe Terminal
- Dispute over work and conditions
- Unions claim workers’ concerns are not addressed
- Company says it is committed to finding solutions
PIPEFITTERS, riggers and electrical technicians employed at Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) by Australian company Worley Services are taking part in a 24-hour walkout today (Tuesday).
The industrial dispute, supported by trade unions Unite and GMB, is over a number of concerns raised by the workforce of around 40 including pay and conditions.
These are: –
- The pay offer put forward by Worley has been described as not acceptable by union members, although no details have been provided by either side;
- Agreements for payments for mobilisation to, and demobilisation from SVT, including refreshment vouchers for delayed travel;
- Failure to reach a union recognition agreement.
A spokesperson for the employees said: “In response to these concerns Worley have put forward an offer of settlement in the hope of addressing these concerns however, unfortunately, we understand that this offer settlement has not addressed our workforce’s concerns satisfactorily, and due to this Worley have received official notice of industrial action.”
A spokesperson for Worley Services in Sydney said the company was committed to finding a solution to the dispute.
“As late as yesterday afternoon (Monday) [Worley Services] have made what we believe to be a reasonable offer of settlement, we are willing to continue talks with the unions and we hope to find a solution to the dispute through these discussions,” she said.
“The safety, health and well-being of our people continues to remain our top priority.”
A spokesperson for terminal operator EnQuest previously said it would not be commenting on the matter.
The next 24-hour walkout by union members is scheduled for 21 May.
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