Fifty offshore oil and gas workers based on the Elgin Franklin platform near Aberdeen and the North Alwyn platform close to the Shetland Isles are to be balloted on strike action following what their union has described as a “shameful” pay offer from their employer, TotalEnergies.
The dispute centres on a proposed pay increase of 1.5% earlier this year, which was rejected by workers, followed by a revised offer of 1.75% that was also turned down.
Unite the Union argues that, when adjusted for inflation, the new tax year, and the rising cost of living, the offer represents a real-terms pay cut for the skilled engineers, control room staff, and technicians involved.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticised TotalEnergies, highlighting that the company reported an adjusted net income of £13.7 billion in 2024, with a cash flow of £29.9 billion, yet is “trying to impose a real terms pay cut” on its workforce.
The union described the company’s approach as “shameful behaviour from an extraordinarily profitable company”.
The ballot opens on 29 April and will close on 2 June, with industrial action a possibility if workers vote in favour.
