News / Petrofac talks
PETROFAC says it is hopeful of reaching agreement with trade unions following initial talks aimed at averting the risk of a walkout by construction workers over accommodation and travel concerns.
The company, which is building Total’s £800 million new gas plant in the North Mainland, said it had tabled some “concrete potential solutions” during talks with the Unite and GMB unions on Tuesday night.
Workers are seeking financial compensation for having to share accommodation with colleagues. Those who have to commute to the construction site from barges in Lerwick are also seeking extra money for doing so.
More talks are planned in Aberdeen on Thursday with a view to resolving the dispute after union members last week voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.
A Petrofac spokesman said: “Notwithstanding what we’ve said all along about the room-sharing – that we tell the staff three times before they start work that they will be required to share a room and they all sign a disclaimer agreeing to do so – we are taking this matter extremely seriously.
“We’ve always been willing to discuss a solution that is in everyone’s best interests whilst still ensuring effective delivery of the project.
“With that in mind, Petrofac senior management met with the unions last night [Tuesday] and tabled some concrete potential solutions. Whilst agreement was not reached last night, meetings will continue tomorrow in Aberdeen and we are hopeful of reaching a swift resolution and avoiding industrial action.”
Announcing last week’s ballot results, which showed over 90 per cent support for strike action among members, the GMB accused Petrofac chiefs of “burying their heads in the sand”.
The unions are seeking around £50 a day in compensation for each worker who does not have a room to his or himself.
There has been speculation that another barge may be brought to Shetland to resolve the accommodation dispute.
In addition unions are optimistic they can secure extra cash for workers facing lengthy journeys to and from the construction site near Sullom Voe.
Tensions escalated between unions and management in November when the GMB claimed 47 pipe fitters had been locked out because of the impending ballot.
At that time Petrofac insisted the workers had simply been handed their notice as their services were no longer required.
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