The Unite union has announced that oil workers employed by Apache in the North Sea are prepared to initiate strike action later this month, following unsuccessful pay negotiations with the Texas-based operator. The strike would potentially involve more than 160 offshore workers across various roles, including electrical technicians, production specialists, and communications operators.
According to the union, Apache presented a pay proposal that workers rejected as inadequate, particularly given the company’s recent financial performance. The union characterized the offer as resulting in real-terms pay reductions for many staff members and noted that the company had imposed deadlines for agreement while suggesting it might withhold back pay amounts. Apache countered that it offered a 4% pay increase to workers who already rank among the highest earners in the United Kingdom and work an average of 153 days annually on offshore rotations.
The threatened action would target the Forties and Beryl oilfields, with potential implications for the Charlie platform and the broader Forties pipeline system, which the union stated handles nearly one-third of UK oil and gas supply. Such disruption could extend to other North Sea operators. This potential labor action occurs amid existing pressures on fuel supplies stemming from geopolitical tensions affecting crude oil flows from the Gulf region, and as UK diesel prices recently reached record levels.
Apache stated it maintained contingency arrangements to preserve safe operations and manage pipeline pressure reductions comparable to routine maintenance work. The company expressed confidence that industrial action would not impede other producers’ access to the Forties pipeline system. Government officials urged both parties to resolve the dispute without causing supply interruptions, while noting that the pipeline transports crude oil rather than finished fuel products.
The announcement follows a previous labor dispute involving Neo Next offshore workers, also represented by Unite, which was resolved in July when the union secured a pay package adjustment exceeding £4,000.
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