The strike of Apache and Wood workers in the North Sea of England has sharply increased. About 170 Apache workers began their strike at 6 AM on November 4, 2023, and Wood workers also initiated a separate strike on the platforms operated by Harbour Energy. These strikes are taking place due to disputes over salaries and working conditions.
Apache Workers' Strike Plans
According to the Unite union, Apache workers are set to strike at 7 other offshore facilities later this month. Workers on the Forties Alpha, Forties Bravo, Forties Delta, and Beryl Bravo platforms will strike from November 13 to 14, and the workers on Forties Charlie, Forties Echo, and Beryl Alpha will strike from November 15 to 16.
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Disputes and Reactions
The disputes involve electrical, mechanical, production, and tool technicians, as well as telecommunications technicians and radio operators. The Unite union has accused Apache of offering a pay rise below the inflation rate and maintaining a seven-day return policy, which the union claims forces employees to work extra hours without additional pay. Apache has rejected these criticisms, stating that their proposal includes a 4% salary increase and that the disputed days are part of existing contractual agreements.
The company confirmed that it shut down its facilities for safety reasons during the previous strike on October 21, but stated that third-party producers continued their operations through the Forties pipeline. Apache announced that it will assess staffing levels during future strikes and will shut down facilities if it cannot maintain safety.
Wood Employees' Strike
Meanwhile, Wood employees began a 48-hour strike on November 3, 2023, in the North Sea operations of Harbour Energy. The Unite union has identified the Britannia, Jasmine, Judy, Lomond, and North Everest platforms as being affected and has accused Wood of reducing employees' salaries and working conditions and issuing hiring and firing notices. More strikes are also planned for November 17 and 18.
The disputes with the Wood group stem from the company's decision to cut salaries and conditions for dozens of employees, including issuing hiring and firing notices. However, Wood has claimed that only one employee at a Harbour Energy asset participated in the last strike action and that it had no impact on operations. The company also stated that the affected employees accepted new employment conditions that remain above minimum standards under the energy services agreement.
The Unite union has emphasized that strikes and overtime bans have impacted offshore operations and has warned that more strikes will occur if the disputes are not resolved.
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