Protesters at Shell London HQ as North Sea Strikes Go Ahead
Coordinated protests are happening today in Aberdeen and London in support of the striking Wood Group workers in the North Sea. Today a group of 20 protestors headed to the capitalist centre of the UK to send a clear message to Shell Management that the Unions are prepared to fight for their workers.
One protester told Oil and Gas People: “Last week we targeted Shell petrol stations and this week we have commenced strike action and protests at company headquarters. We would like to make it clear to both Shell and Wood Group that the proposed cuts are unacceptable and adversely impact their entire workforce. These cuts will not be accepted!”
Shell previously confirmed plans to hire a ‘scab’ work force to cover the positions of the striking workers, however after media covereage, Shell stopped further recruitment and withdrew adverts from local agencies.
The striking workers are employed across seven Shell platforms in the Brent Field, located in the North Sea off the coast of Shetland. It is thought that the action will cause severe disruptions to Shells upstream activities, which will lower production of oil and gas in the sector.
The strikes come after talks between Wood Group and the Unions fell through after Wood Group was accused of showing “little willingness to resolve the dispute”. Unites Regional Officer John Boland said “Strike action by our members is not a decision they take lightly, but they have been pushed to the limit by an employer unwilling to rethink proposals to slash their pay and allowances.
At present it seems there is little chance of an immediate resolution to the situation, with “on-going” strike action planned by Wood Group employees and escalating protest action occuring on behalf of striking workers.
It is thought that the strikes by Wood Group workers may be the first of many, as workers throughout the industry have seen their pay slashed, benefits reduced and rotation lengths increased.
A Shell spokesman said:
“This action is highly regrettable. Shell’s priority is to ensure the safety of our workforce and assets and we will not compromise on safety during this period of industrial action.
“While we recognise the right of Wood Group’s employees to strike, it is clear that in order for the North Sea oil and gas industry to remain competitive in the lower oil price environment, structural change is needed.
“We hope that Wood Group’s employees and management will continue working towards reaching a solution which will halt this counter-productive industrial action.”
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