The Unite union announced that oil workers employed by Apache in the North Sea are backing strike action following unsuccessful pay negotiations with the operator. The union characterized the company’s final offer as unacceptable, stating it amounted to a real-terms pay cut for many employees despite the company’s substantial profitability. Apache countered that it had offered a 4% pay increase to workers whose earnings already rank among the highest in the UK and who work an offshore schedule averaging 153 working days annually.
The potential industrial action could commence later this month and involve more than 160 Apache offshore workers, including electrical experts, production technicians and radio operators. Strike action would affect the Forties and Beryl oilfields, with the possibility of critical North Sea platforms being brought to a standstill. According to the union, this disruption could lead to the entire Forties pipeline system shutting down, a facility that handles approximately one-third of the UK’s oil and gas supplies.
The timing of the potential strike coincides with existing pressure on fuel supplies stemming from geopolitical tensions affecting Gulf crude and refined product shipments. Diesel prices have recently reached record levels, prompting G7 leaders to announce the release of emergency stockpiles. Apache stated it had contingency plans to maintain safe operations and did not expect strike action to prevent other producers from using the Forties pipeline system. The government’s energy department urged all parties to reach resolution without disruption, noting the nation maintains a diverse and resilient fuel supply.
This dispute follows a similar labor situation involving Neo Next offshore workers, also represented by Unite, which was resolved earlier this year when the union secured a pay package increase exceeding £4,000 before scheduled strikes were set to begin.
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