Tensions between trade unions and North Sea energy firms are escalating, with over 160 offshore rig workers scheduled to launch a 24-hour strike this Wednesday. The Unite union, which represents the workers, warned that the walkout could severely disrupt UK fuel supplies. This action follows a pre-existing 48-hour strike organized by RMT and Unite members at Wood Group, who are contracted to five of Harbour Energy’s platforms: Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond, and North Everest.
The upcoming 24-hour stoppage will target five Apache oil platforms connected to the Forties Pipeline System, a critical piece of infrastructure handling roughly 30% of domestic oil production. Unite claims that any halt in output could trigger a significant pressure drop across the entire system. Despite ongoing pay negotiations facilitated by the Acas mediation service, the union intends to proceed with the walkout at 6am on Wednesday, citing a lack of willingness from the company to resolve the dispute.
Apache has dismissed these concerns, stating it plans to utilize experienced contractors to maintain operations during the strike. The company emphasized that even if all five of its platforms were forced offline, it does not anticipate significant consequences for other operators using the pipeline. Apache currently offers a 4% pay increase to the bargaining unit, noting that these employees are among the highest earners in the UK with an average offshore rota of 153 days per year. Whose earnings already place them among the highest earners in the UK and whose offshore rota averages 153 working days a yea, the company added: “Our offer provides a 4% pay increase for employees in the bargaining unit.
The broader North Sea sector is currently experiencing a difficult period, with major companies citing the UK government’s windfall tax and energy policies as reasons for reduced investment. Apache has already declared its intention to cease North Sea operations by the end of 2029, pointing to the 78% total tax rate on profits as a major deterrent. Meanwhile, Harbour Energy has similarly cited the tax regime for its decision to downsize, having cut 600 jobs since 2023 and planning a further 100 reductions.
Wood Group maintained that its own recent industrial actions have had minimal impact, reporting that only eight out of 150 contracted employees joined the picket line earlier this month without disrupting operations. Looking ahead, unions have scheduled a third 48-hour strike for November 3.
The current industrial instability arrives at a sensitive time for the UK government, which is preparing for the October 28 budget and facing a critical decision regarding the controversial Jackdaw gas project. National energy security remains a priority as the country braces for a difficult winter, complicated by ongoing global supply pressures linked to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Ineos, the owner of the Forties pipeline system, has not issued a comment regarding the potential threat to its infrastructure or the broader implications of the planned union action.
