MEMBERS of the RMT Union, who are employed under the Offshore Diving Industry Agreement (ODIA), have approved the decision to go on strike.
The union has requested a two-month strike period from August 14 to October 14, with an openness to finding a resolution.
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Additionally, other RMT members who are employed as ‘dayraters’ at companies such as Boskalis Subsea Services, KD Marine, Subsea 7, and TechnipFMC UK have also supported the idea of striking.
Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT, has stated that the wages of members have not kept pace with inflation in 2015, following their decision to forgo a salary increase in exchange for job protection during the economic downturn in the oil and gas sector.
He commented: ““During the same period, they sacrificed all but two bank holidays on the basis that this would redressed when things improved – this has never happened.
According to some studies life expectancy for some commercial divers can be as low as 40 years with retirement or redeployment into lesser roles at the age of 50.
The diving industry is extremely hazardous with life expectancy as low as 40 years, yet they have a measly £130k death in service benefit to protect their families should anything happen to them.
The high turnout in favour of strike action sends a strong signal to the employers that our members are determined to achieve a negotiated settlement.”
