About 70 workers employed by TotalEnergies SE in its North Sea oil and gas operations are being voted to strike, according to the Unite union.
The workers are based at the Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn platforms and the Shetland Gas Processing Plant, the union said in a statement. The Shetland facility sends condensate to the Sullom Voe terminal and gas to UK consumers, according to Total’s website. There are two polls, both close on May 5.
The European oil industry has faced widespread industrial action following rising inflation. The measures put the production of fuels and even crude oil at risk.
The industrial action would have a significant impact on oil and gas production if it goes ahead, Unite said. The dispute is over pay and changes in exchange patterns.
The vote by Total workers follows other union members’ decisions to proceed with layoffs.
Here is a summary of the offshore worker industrial action that is underway or due to begin:
- About 150 workers at contractor Sparrows Offshore Services began a 48-hour strike from April 5, the first of a series of nine walkouts stretching into June, according to Unite.
- This month, two strikes of more than 48 hours are planned, starting on April 19 and 26.
- The May 10 departures will last 72 hours.
- More than 20 oil and gas platforms are expected to be affected
- Separately, another 1,350 contractors will go on strike from April 24 to April 26.
- This action will “stop the offshore installations of major oil and gas operators”, Unite said on 7 April.
- Those workers on service platforms owned by BP Plc, Shell Plc and TotalEnergies SE.
- Harbor Energy Plc, CNR International Ltd., Enquest Plc and Ithaca Energy Plc could also be affected, according to Unite.
