Major offshore strike by 1,300 workers under way

Hundreds of workers are involved in the action

About 1,300 offshore oil and gas workers have begun a major 48-hour strike.

Unite has described the action as the "biggest stoppage in a generation".

The union warned of a "tsunami" of industrial unrest in the row over jobs, pay and conditions.

Five operators are involved in the ongoing dispute, but strike action at Worley Services has been suspended to allow for further talks with the company.

The other companies directly involved are Bilfinger UK, Petrofac Facilities Management, Stork Technical Services and Sparrows Offshore Services.

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Unite said the strike action would hit operators including BP, CNRI, EnQuest, Harbour, Ithaca, Shell, TAQA and Total.

The workers include electrical, production and mechanical technicians in addition to deck crew, scaffolders, crane operators, pipefitters, platers, and riggers.

Unite members at Petrofac are among those striking

Unite industrial officer John Boland said: "The 48-hour strike action will cause severe problems for contractors and operators.

"We believe that due to the specialised nature of work our members undertake, offshore platforms will not be able to operate safely and efficiently without them.

"The strike action could halt production on dozens of platforms and bring them to a standstill."

'Constructive dialogue'

About 700 offshore workers at Bilfinger are involved, along with more than 360 at Stork, 150 at Sparrows Offshore Services and about 100 more at Petrofac and Worley Services.

Protest were also held in Aberdeen

Stork said: "We respect the right for peaceful and planned strike action.

"As an employer and a signatory of the Energy Services Agreement, we remain focused on engaging with all stakeholders to reach a resolution that protects and sustains employment opportunities, supports safety and operational continuity. This remains our absolute priority."

Bilfinger UK said: "Operational safety remains our top priority and we have procedures in place to minimise any potential disruption."

And Shell said: "We support constructive dialogue between the unions and contracting companies to reach a mutually agreed resolution."

Irene Bruce, industry body OEUK's energy services manager, added: "We would encourage all parties to work together to find constructive ways to address workforce concerns.

"Workers in all sectors across the UK are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, however industrial action does not offer a solution, nor is it helpful for our sector, which is doing all it can to attract the investment essential to protect jobs and meet the UK's energy needs.

"While some offshore staffing levels will be reduced , companies are focused on maintaining safe operations for our people and on ensuring continuity of production to maintain energy security for the UK."