Strike action called off as Odfjell drillers secure new working rotation on Equinor’s Mariner platform

Unite campaign delivers safer work and life balance for drillers

Unite the union confirmed today (Friday 26 January) that over 100 offshore drillers employed by Odfjell Technology (UK) Ltd on Equinor’s Mariner platform have secured a new working rotation bringing the dispute to an end.

Unite members voted overwhelmingly in favour of an improved offer by Odfjell. The deal consists of the drillers now shifting to an improved working rotation of two weeks on and three weeks off, which was at the centre of the dispute. It also includes enhancements to pay, terms and conditions.

The deal means the forthcoming overtime ban and strike action scheduled to start on Monday (29 January), which Unite announced last week, has now been called off.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The Odfjell drillers have proven what can be achieved when Unite members are organised and when they are prepared to fight their employer head on for decent jobs, pay and conditions.

This is another significant win for Unite which demonstrates why it is the nation’s leading offshore trade union.”

Unite is involved in a series of disputes over offshore members fighting for a better work and life balance. This includes ongoing industrial action ballots involving chemists, heating and ventilation engineers employed by IES Callenberg and SGS UK Limited.

Unite is reporting that its offshore members are increasingly recording concerns over physical and mental burn out, fatigue, and stress due to staff shortages. Many offshore workers work 12-hour shifts for three weeks at a time, but they must also conduct any required training during their field breaks.

Vic Fraser Unite industrial officer, added: “The Odfjell deal is another great result for Unite members in the offshore sector. Not only does this deal give the drillers a safer work and life balance, but it also delivers parity with other workers on the Mariner platform.”

“The deal will also directly benefit Odfjell and Equinor by retaining a highly skilled workforce onboard the Mariner.”

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