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North Sea faces further strike threats at Total oil platforms

Rig workers on Total's Elgin platform (pictured) could down tools as Unite takes strike action to a ballot  - John BOROWSKI/Total Petrochemicals
Rig workers on Total's Elgin platform (pictured) could down tools as Unite takes strike action to a ballot - John BOROWSKI/Total Petrochemicals

The North Sea faces further strike action as one of Britain’s largest trade unions prepares to ballot workers on major oil rigs operated by Total.

Workers on the Alwyn, Elgin and Dunbar platforms could decide to down tools within a week over a dispute with the French exploration and production company over the number of unpaid working days.

After the oil price crash in 2014, staff agreed to work an extra 14 days a year unpaid to help the company during the downturn. This arrangement has continued even though the company is now back in profit.

Unite has attacked the “intransigence” of the French exploration and production company over work rotas as “staggering” after Total rejected its proposal to cut the number of ‘claw back days’ worked offshore.

Total's Elgin platform - Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Total's Elgin platform Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Total said its cost savings drove a 28pc rise in net profit last year, which triggered a dividend hike and the start of a share buyback scheme.

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Although oil prices have climbed from $28 a barrel to highs above $78 a barrel in recent weeks oil bosses remain under pressure to keep a tight hold on costs as the industry adapts to a ‘lower for longer’ oil price reality.

Before the downturn Total rig workers spent two weeks offshore followed by three weeks back at home. They currently follow this rota pattern but twice a year work offshore for three weeks with a two-week break at home, meaning they work an extra fortnight without pay.

The union said that Total’s counter-offer to move its rig workers to a 'three week on, three off' rota would lead to a further increase in the number of days worked offshore, which “has further infuriated Unite members”.

“No one should be expected to work 21 days in a row, working 12 hour shifts, being pushed to the limits of what is safe mentally and physically. Unite members are resolute in opposing these proposals and we have no option but to move towards a ballot for industrial action,” said Wullie Wallace, Unite’s regional industrial officer.

The threat of North Sea strike action is the second eruption of worker dissent in recent months, after workers downed tools in an unofficial strike in April at Aker Solutions' Mariner platform.

Total was not immediately available to comment.