Unite the union today (6 December) confirmed that strike action by around 300 members working for Ponticelli UK Ltd and Semco Maritime Ltd has been ‘rock solid’ in the North Sea.

The strike action is over a pay dispute with an improved pay offer being recently rejected by Unite members by 85% on an 80% return. It is scheduled to take place over a series of days until late February 2022, including a permanent overtime ban, unless there is ‘significant movement’ by Ponticelli UK Ltd and Semco Maritime Ltd (Full List of dates below).
 
Unite’s members involved in the strike action work on the Total Energies contract on the following assets; Alisa FSO, Culzean, Dunbar, Elgin Franklin, Gryphon FPSO, North Alwyn & Shetland Gas Plant.

Unite’s Ponticelli UK Ltd members previously voted overwhelmingly to take strike action by 93.6% on a return of 64.8%, and Semco Maritime Ltd members voted to take strike action by 90.3% on a 61.4% return.
 
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Hundreds of Unite members at Ponticelli and Semco have started strike action today in the North Sea across a number of installations. The response has been rock solid from our members with 100% strike turnouts on the North Alwyn and Elgin Franklin platforms. These offshore workers are leading the way fighting for their jobs, pay and conditions in the sector, and they have our full support.”
 
Unite regional officer, John Boland said: “The show of strength by our members working for Ponticelli and Semco has been absolutely fantastic. The workers are resolute and determined to show their anger at management. Unless there is significant movement by the companies then the strike action will continue for months which will have a major impact on operations. We urge the companies to give our members the fair pay rise they deserve and to stop the attack on terms and conditions or this situation will deteriorate quickly.” 

ENDS