Wood Group Offshore Workers Launch North Sea Strikes Over Pay and Fire-and-Rehire Threats

Offshore workers across multiple North Sea installations have launched a 48-hour strike in an escalating dispute over pay and working conditions, according to source-based reporting from BBC Business. The industrial action, coordinated by the Unite and RMT unions, targets the Wood Group over decisions to alter employee compensation and the alleged threat of issuing fire-and-rehire notices to dozens of offshore personnel.

The initial two-day walkout began at midnight and affects several prominent platforms operated by Harbour Energy, including the Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond and North Everest installations. The disruptions involve essential personnel, such as production, instrument and mechanical technicians, who are scheduled to walk out for a total of six days across October and November.

According to the unions, further work stoppages are scheduled for October 20 and 21, as well as November 3 and 4. Additionally, the RMT has instructed its members to refuse any overtime work starting from October 8 until further notice, a move that could compound operational pressures in the North Sea energy sector.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticized the company's approach, stating that the profitable firm should not be allowed to cut member compensation or use intimidation tactics. Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser echoed those sentiments, asserting in reported remarks that the workforce felt left with no other option than to take industrial action against the Wood Group's proposals.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey emphasized that participating workers are not seeking unreasonable improvements, but are instead trying to protect the long-standing terms and conditions they have operated under for years. Dempsey also accused the company of inflaming tensions rather than collaborating with union representatives to find a solution.

The Wood Group confirmed it received formal notification regarding the planned industrial action from union members working on the Harbour Energy contract. A company spokesperson stated that the actions follow a recent consultation process regarding proposed changes to employment terms and conditions, while emphasizing that personnel and operational safety remain the organization's top priority.

Meanwhile, Harbour Energy stated that it is monitoring the ongoing discussions between the contractor and its workforce, expressing hope that a constructive resolution can be achieved. A Harbour Energy spokesperson added that the company continues to work closely with its contractors to maintain safe and reliable operations and production across its assets.

The dispute is part of a wider period of labour tension in the UK North Sea. Unite has also warned of separate industrial action involving Apache offshore workers at the Forties and Beryl fields. That dispute is being treated separately from the Wood Group action, but the overlap has increased attention on the potential operational and supply implications of multiple offshore disputes.

The current Wood Group action is scheduled to continue beyond the first 48-hour stoppage, with additional strike dates already announced for later in October and early November. For the companies involved, the immediate issue is maintaining safe operations while the unions and management attempt to resolve the disagreement over employment terms. The outcome will determine whether further stoppages proceed as planned.