Offshore workers at Wood Group are considering going on strike after rejecting proposals put to them on Friday.

The oil and gas firm has proposed pay cuts of up to 22% and changes to holiday pay and training rates.

Unite claims these changes add up to a real-terms reduction of around 30%.

The union said it will now prepare to ballot several hundred members working for Wood Group on eight of Shell’s North Sea oil and gas platforms.

Unite regional officer John Boland said the Aberdeen firm was not listening to the concerns of its workforce after a meeting Wood Group management.

He said: “Our members are simply not being heard by Wood Group. They are deeply worried and frustrated and feel that they have no other option now but to consider strike action.

“Nobody here wants to take industrial action but Wood Group is being unreasonable – pay cuts of up to 22% are totally unjustified and we won’t stand for it.

“Our members have already given a lot of ground because we understand that with a low oil price the companies had to make changes to maintain profitability.

“For the benefit of the North Sea as a whole we must not to roll over again. This is our only opportunity to stay strong and say no, not just for us but for the whole of the North Sea.”

A Spokeswoman for Wood Group said: “Safeguarding long-term employment opportunities for our employees on these assets is our priority and proposals regarding changes to terms and conditions are being reviewed with this as our firm focus.

“The terms and conditions under review have been approved by the OCA and the recognised unions. During the consultation process we have attempted to reach an agreement with our employees by offering an enhancement to these terms and conditions, aligned with their competency and experience.

“We are extremely disappointed to be in this position during the consultation process. We remain fully committed to continuing to engage with our employees and the unions and are focused on reaching a positive resolution, which meets our mutual goal of sustaining these jobs in the North Sea,  now and in the future.”

A ballot is expected to be held in the next few days. The result will determine whether Unite members organise a final vote on industrial action.

A Wood Group spokeswoman said: “Safeguarding long-term employment opportunities for our employees on these assets is our priority and proposals regarding changes to terms and conditions are being reviewed with this as our firm focus.

“The terms and conditions under review have been approved by the OCA and the recognised unions. During the consultation process we have attempted to reach an agreement with our employees by offering an enhancement to these terms and conditions, aligned with their competency and experience.”