Wood Group offshore workers launch 48-hour strike in row over pay

Offshore workers on a number of North Sea platforms are taking strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The Unite and RMT unions said they are in dispute with the Wood Group over its decision to "slash" the pay and conditions of dozens of offshore workers, including through the threat of issuing fire-and-rehire notices.

The strikes will affect a number of installations run by Harbour Energy, including the Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond and North Everest platforms.

The Wood Group said it had been notified of the action and added that staff and operational safety remained its "top priority".

Production, instrument and mechanical technicians are among those set to walk out for a total of six days in October and November, beginning with a two-day walk-out which started at midnight.

The RMT has also instructed its members not to work any overtime from 8 October until further notice.

The news comes after a warning that separate strike action by offshore workers at energy firm Apache could "severely disrupt" UK fuel supplies.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite will not allow the Wood Group to slash and burn our members' pay and conditions.

"This is a profitable company and it is despicable that it is threatening to fire and rehire its workers. This is corporate greed in its worst form."

Vic Fraser, Unite industrial officer, said: "Industrial action will inevitably impact the operation of Harbour Energy's offshore assets.

"The workforce has been left with no option but to strike against the Wood Group's threats and intimidation.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "Our members are not asking for special treatment or unreasonable improvements.