350 offshore workers moving towards strikes as platforms set to shutdown
- Thursday 24 July 2025
Repsol, CNOOC and MCL Medics workers balloted in disputes over jobs, pay and conditions
Unite the union can confirm that around 350 offshore workers are travelling towards strike action in disputes with offshore operators and companies.
Workers employed by Repsol, CNOOC and MCL Medics are all involved in strike ballots or forthcoming industrial action on offshore platforms.
Over 200 Repsol workers have rejected several unacceptable pay offers with the latest amounting to a three per cent increase in basic pay. Unite can confirm its membership has emphatically backed strike by 92.1 per cent after rejecting the latest pay offer.
Industrial action is now set to hit Repsol’s Arbroath, AUK, Bleoholm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmer, Montrose, and Piper Bravo assets in a series of stoppages.
A one day strike will commence at 06:00 on 6, 13, and 28 August as well as a further stoppage on 4 September. A continuous overtime ban will also be in operation.
The union claims that the impact of industrial action will lead to the shutting down of platforms as the workers involved include control room operators, supervisors, electricians, technicians, mechanics and HSE advisors.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are being forced into strike action due to a series of unacceptable pay offers made by companies who can easily afford to pay more. Workers are watching companies rack up eye watering profits but their hard work is not being rewarded.
“Unite will fully back our offshore workers fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions."
A further 130 CNOOC workers are being balloted on industrial action in a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions on the Buzzard, Scott, and Golden Eagle platforms. Several offers concerning pay and allowances have been rejected by the workers with the latest amounting to a 4.25 per cent increase in basic pay.
A ballot on industrial action will open tomorrow (25 July) and close on 28 August. Unite believes that the impact of any industrial action will lead to the shutting down of CNOOC’s platforms as the workers involved cover similar roles to those employed by Repsol. CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited recorded profits of $176m (USD) in its latest accounts.
In another escalating dispute over pay levels and training allowances, around 20 offshore medics who provide lifesaving services are being balloted on strike action. The ballot which opened this week will close on 26 August. The MCL Medics work on the Armada, Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond, North Everest assets owned by Harbour Energy.
MCL Medics to date have not had any formal basic pay offer. The medics are legally required and essential to the operation of any offshore platform.
Unite industrial officer John Boland said: “Hundreds of offshore workers have been left with no choice but to take strike action or to hold ballots due to the greed of their employers.
“Several rounds of strikes involving Repsol workers will take place following the rejection of meagre pay offers. CNOOC and MCL medics who are vital to Harbour Energy’s offshore platforms are also being forced towards strike action because of their employers intransigence.
“There is still time to resolve these disputes and we would urge these companies to get back round the negotiating table before platforms are brought to a standstill.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922. Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.