Action to shutdown dozens of platforms and operators including Shell and BP

Unite the union confirmed today (10 March) that 200 Sparrows Offshore Services workers will take imminent strike action potentially shutting down dozens of platforms in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Around 150 Sparrows offshore contractors have voted to take strike action across more than 20 oil and gas platforms in a dispute over pay (see Notes to Editor).

95.5 percent of Unite members voted to take strike action on a 75 per cent turnout. 96.4 per cent voted to take action short of a strike. The strike action will hit a number of major operators including Apache, Shell, and Harbour Energy.

The workers include offshore Crane Operatives, Crane Maintainers, Lifting Personnel and Deck Crew. The strike action involves Sparrows’ ‘Flying Squad’ who provide maintenance support across all installations with no set platform.  Unite will shortly be announcing strike dates in relation to this specific dispute.

Last week, Unite announced that its Sparrows Offshore Services members working on BP’s Andrew, Clair, Clair Ridge, ETAP, Glen Lyon and Mungo installations backed strike action in a separate dispute over pay and conditions.

Unite can also reveal that strike action will hit these BP platforms from 29 March until 7 June in a series of 24, 48 and 72-hour stoppages (see Notes to Editor). A continuous ban on overtime will also start on 21 March.

The trade union has further warned that the industrial action could be escalated to an all-out strike unless Sparrows, and their operator clients, provide acceptable offers to resolve the disputes.

Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said:  “The oil and gas industry is overflowing with record profits. In 2022 BP’s profits were £23bn - more than double those for 2021. 

“Yet, the workforce is seeing next to nothing coming into their pay packets or through improved terms and conditions. Unite will support our Sparrows members every step of the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite has blasted the UK Government's inaction on taxing oil firms as BP posted the biggest profits in its history as it doubled to £23 billion in 2022. BP’s bonanza profits come after Shell reports earnings of £32 billion, bringing the combined total profits of the top two energy companies in Britain to a record £55 billion.

Vic Fraser Unite Regional Officer, added: “Unite’s Sparrows members both core crew and Flying Squad have simply had enough. They are demanding that savage cuts to terms and conditions made by the company over a number of years be immediately reversed.

“Contractors and operators who rely on our members to deliver their record profits could resolve these issues easily and quickly but they are instead choosing to treat the workforce with contempt. Unite will not tolerate this behaviour, and the vital role our members perform will become crystal clear when dozens of platforms come to a standstill.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

 

  1. Non-BP oil and gas platforms to be impacted by industrial action.

 

Ap1, Auk Brae, Alpha, Brent Charlie, Bruce, Cleeton, Claymore, Clyde, Cpc1, Eider Alpha, Flying Squad, Gannet Harding, Heather, Ineos Unity, Jade, Judy, Lomond, Magnus, North Cormorant, North Everest, Ravenspurn North, Tern Alpha, Thistle Alpha & Seton House, Denmore Road, Murcar Industrial Estate, Bridge Of Don Aberdeen, AB23 8JW.

 

  1. Strike schedule for BP assets:

 

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 29th March 2023 and continuing each day up to 31st March 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours.

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 5th April 2023 and continuing each day up to 7th April 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours.

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 19th April 2023 and continuing each day up to 21st April 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours. 

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 26th April 2023 and continuing each day up to 28th April 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours.

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 10th May 2023 and continuing each day up to 13th May 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 15th May 2023 and continuing up to 16th May 2023 when the action will conclude at 06:29 hours

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 17th May 2023 and continuing each day up to 19th May 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 31st May 2023 and continuing each day up to 3rd June 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 5th June 2023 and continuing up to 6th June 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours

Commencing at 06.30 hours on 7th June 2023 and continuing each day up to 9th June 2023 when the action will conclude at 06.29 hours