No to shift rota changes

Unite members under the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) agreement today (July 29) rejected proposals over changes to shift rotas and terms and conditions following a consultative ballot, increasing the likelihood of industrial action in the North Sea.

Sixty three and half per cent per cent of members balloted voted against OCA’s offer to move to a three-on/three-off shift pattern, with a variable remuneration offer to mitigate the impact on terms and conditions caused by the changes to working-time arrangements.

“We said previously that our members would have the final say and they are clear that the OCA offer isn’t good enough,” said Unite industrial officer Willie Wallace.

“North Sea employers must do more to address the deep concerns our members have over these shift pattern changes – from loss of earnings and livelihoods to the impact on workplace health and safety and quality of life,” he added.

“We are not blind to the challenges facing the industry – indeed, we are acutely aware it because the human cost of the downturn is clear in the deep cuts to our members’ incomes and livelihoods.”

Wallace noted that the lesson the industry must take from the process is that it must consult and engage with members in a “far more meaningful manner”.

“Any changes impacting lives and livelihoods should not be imposed,” he added.