Business / Oil terminal set to be hit by strike action

OPERATIONS at Sullom Voe Terminal may be affected by industrial action over coming months as Unite announces strike days for oil and gas workers employed by of Worley Services.

The trade union said Worley Services and Altrad workers had unanimously back strike action as they demand a better deal on jobs, pay and conditions at the terminal.

Unite represents over 40 Worley Services workers including chargehands, pipefitters, riggers, mechanical fitters along with electrical and instrument technicians.

The union also represents 20 HGV drivers and operators employed by support services company Altrad.

The dispute centres on Unite members demanding a significant pay increase, improvements to terms and conditions, as well as union recognition.

The union said if there was no meaningful movement during ongoing negotiations with Worley then 24-hour strike action would take place on 7 and 21 May.

This would be followed by 48-hour strike action taking place on 4-5 June, and 18-19 June, the union announced today (Wednesday).

Potential strike days for Altrad will be announced in due course.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Worley Services and Altrad can fully afford to pay our members fairly and treat them decently. Our members’ determination to ensure that these companies do the right thing is evident.

These employers need to act now and do the right thing.

“Unite will always stand up for our members fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions at Sullom Voe.”

Unite industrial officer John Boland added: “These highly skilled workers deserve a fair pay deal and unless these companies quickly get back round the table and make dramatically improved offers soon, then industrial unrest is inevitable.

“Worley Services have continuously refused to enter a site recognition agreement with Unite to formally discuss pay and conditions, whereas Altrad have failed to positively engage with Unite over this year’s pay offer.

“Both companies should be in no doubt that our members are resolute in their determination to secure a better working environment. If industrial action takes place, this will cause widespread disruption at Sullom Voe which is one of Scotland’s key oil and gas terminals.”

Both Worley Services and Altrad have been contacted for comment.