Unite the union today (3 November) hailed a ‘massive win’ in a wage deal for around 100 working on the Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) contract for offshore contractor Petrofac. 

Last week, Unite entered negotiations with Petrofac where the company agreed to re-instate the 10% salary reduction made in 2020, and also to remove the one-week ‘clawback’ which is a week extra worked without any increase in wages, with effect from 1 November 2021.  

The new offer which equates to a 17% increase in salary was accepted by 100% in a 93% ballot turnout.  The workers are employed on the Ninian Central, Ninian South and Tiffany platforms.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a massive win for Pertofac workers which will send reverberations around the offshore sector. It is yet another example of Unite winning in the fight for jobs pay and conditions for its members. The message is clear: when workers supported by Unite take a stand we can win together.”

John Boland, Unite industrial officer, said: “The Petrofac workers have taken a massive hit over the last 18 months in terms of cuts to pay, and their terms and conditions. However, through fighting back, and more workers joining Unite we have been able to increase their wages by up to 17%. The union members took a stand and won.”

ENDS