Odfjell drillers on North Sea Mariner platform call off strike action

Offshore staff

LONDON — Unite the Union has confirmed that more than 100 offshore drillers employed by Odfjell Technology (UK) Ltd. on Equinor’s Mariner platform in the UK northern North Sea have secured a new working rotation bringing the dispute to an end.

Unite members voted in favor of an improved offer by Odfjell. The deal consists of the drillers now shifting to an improved working rotation of two weeks on and three weeks off, which was at the center of the dispute. It also includes enhancements to pay, terms and conditions.

The deal means the forthcoming overtime ban and strike action scheduled to start on Jan. 29 has now been called off.

Unite is reporting that its offshore members are increasingly recording concerns over physical and mental burn out, fatigue and stress due to staff shortages. Many offshore workers work 12-hour shifts for three weeks at a time, but they must also conduct any required training during their field breaks.

01.26.2024