News / Strike off as gas plant workers accept new deal
STRIKE action at Shetland Gas Plant which was due to take place next week been averted after Aker workers accepted a new pay offer.
Unite regional officer John Boland said on Friday afternoon that the offer included a wage increase and lump sum payments for holidays worth around £4,400.
“We will now work with Aker management to implement this agreement and the associated payment as soon as possible,” he said.
A total of 82 workers for subcontractor Aker Solutions had been embroiled in the dispute for a number of months.
The disagreement related to wages and the alleged non-payments and rolling of holiday pay into the basic hourly rate.
Strike action was originally due to start in November following a ballot, but it was postponed at the last minute after new talks were brokered.
It was thought a strike would have stopped production at the gas plant, but operator Total said it would have been able to continue running safely.
An Aker Solutions spokesman said: “Aker Solutions today received notification from Unite the Union that employees based at Shetland Gas Plant have voted to accept a revised pay offer following negotiations last week.
“Throughout this process we have remained committed to finding a positive way forward and we are glad to now bring this to a conclusion.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.