Unite escalates strike action at Sullom Voe Terminal
WORKERS employed by Sodexo at Sullom Voe Terminal are stepping up industrial action at the oil and gas facility after rejecting a two-year pay offer.
Trade union Unite confirmed on Wednesday that around 30 of its members would resume a series of 24-hour stoppages on 2, 11, 13,18,20, 25 and 27 February.
Meanwhile, a pay dispute involving around 60 Altrad contractors at the oil and gas terminal (Shetland News reported on the walk out here) was resolved after workers accepted an improved pay offer over two years.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the pay offer for Sodexo contractors as “unacceptable”.
The 30 Sodexo workers perform various roles at the EnQuest operated terminal including mechanics, cleaners, plant operators, and electricians.
Graham said: “Sodexo know what it needs to do to end this dispute, but it continues to make unacceptable offers to its dedicated and skilled workers.
“Unite will not tolerate our members being treated with such disdain and we will back them all the way in the fight at Sodexo for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
The union’s industrial officer Vic Fraser accused Sodexo of “contemptible behaviour”.
“Last week, we successfully resolved a long-running pay dispute with Altrad at Sullom Voe after strike action by our members,” he said.
“Sodexo’s actions is causing widespread disruption at the terminal.”
A spokesperson for the company responded: “We continue to work with Unite and its members to seek a resolution to the current dispute and discussions are ongoing between the parties.
“We acknowledge the right of our employees to participate in industrial action.
“We have contingency plans in place and will work closely with our client to minimise disruption in the delivery of services at Sullom Voe Terminal.”
EnQuest declined to comment.
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