Sullom Voe oil terminal facing industrial action in pay and recognition disputes

Worley Services and Altrad workers unanimously back strike action

Unite the union can confirm that its Worley Services and Altrad Services members are the latest group of oil and gas workers to demand a better deal on jobs, pay and conditions at the Sullom Voe terminal in the Shetland Islands.

Unite can further reveal that its membership employed by Worley Services and Altrad Services both unanimously backed strike action in industrial action ballots.

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

The dispute centres on Unite members demanding a significant pay increase, and improvements to other terms and conditions. The demands include the establishment of a union recognition agreement with Worley Services in order that Unite can formally bargain on jobs, pay and conditions.

If there is no meaningful movement by Worley then 24 hour strike action will take place on 7 and 21 May. This will be followed by 48-hour strike action taking place on 4-5 June, and 18-19 June.

Unite 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.”

Around 20 HGV drivers and operators employed by Altrad Services are represented at Sullom Voe. The dispute focuses on this year’s pay offer of six per cent which was overwhelmingly rejected by workers. The Warrington based company had a turnover in 2022 of £219.5 million and recorded profit after tax of £20.4 million. Unite will announce strike dates involving its Altrad membership in due course.

Unite industrial officer John Boland,said: “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.”

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