‘Significant victory’

Unite today (August 10) has confirmed that members working at Total’s Shetland Gas plant have accepted an improved pay offer. Following a consultative ballot, 65 per cent of Unite members on a 94 per cent turnout accepted the new deal.

The new deal includes a base salary increase of 15 per cent and a significant retention bonus. The 3/3 rota will be retained on the basis of 168 working days, which will include two weeks holiday and a commitment not to negatively change the rota for the next three years. The result will add to the mounting pressure on Total E&P UK who are in a similar dispute with offshore members who work on the Alwyn, Elgin and Dunbar platforms.

“Following months of negotiations, Unite members have secured a significant victory at the Shetland Gas Plant,” said Unite regional industrial officer John Boland. “A 15 per cent base increase and a substantial bonus for the workforce has been awarded. While Unite has serious concerns over the 3/3 rota system remaining in place, which we will continue to forensically monitor, we have agreed a generous package available to those that wish to leave and received a commitment by Total not to make adverse changes to the rota system for next three years. On balance, our members have agreed to this new offer and all industrial action is now cancelled.”

96.8 per cent of Unite members at Total E&P UK’s Shetland Gas Plant on a 96.9 per cent turnout had previously backed industrial action in June.