In a battle over jobs, pay and conditions in the offshore sector, offshore workers at Bilfinger UK Limited have accepted a ‘vastly’ improved wage offer bringing the pay dispute to an end, as Unite union claims.
More than 700 offshore members accepted a further 6% increase on basic pay in addition to the 4% rise in January 2023.
With other uplifts made by Bilfinger in November 2022, the increase in basic pay has been lifted by up to 19% for some members in less than a year, the union said.
The Bilfinger contractors were scheduled to participate in the two recent rounds of offshore strike action starting on 1 June and ending on 3 June, and then from 8 June to 10 June. However, the industrial action was suspended to allow a vote on the improved wage offer by Bilfinger.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Unite has secured a vastly improved wage deal for our Bilfinger members. The deal only came about due to the determination of our members to secure a fairer wage offer demonstrated by their bravery in taking strike action. The deal shows that workers can take on the oil and gas operators and contractors, and win. Unite will always support our offshore members fighting back for good jobs, pay and conditions.”
Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer, added: “Unite has won a good deal for over 700 Bilfinger workers which is the highest annual uplift in pay ever at the company. It represents a 10% pay increase this year, and since last November it actually means we have increased the basic hourly pay by up to 19% for some of our members. It’s a great result which has only come about due to the resolve and strength of our members.”
