Offshore workers employed by Petrofac are set to strike later this month as part of an ongoing dispute over jobs, pay, and conditions in the North Sea. The trade union Unite confirmed that around 80 contractors stationed on Ithaca Energy assets, including the FPF-1, Captain, Alba, and Alba North installations, have given an "emphatic" mandate for industrial action.

The workers planning to walk out include electrical, production, and mechanical technicians, as well as deck crew, scaffolders, and crane operators. On the FPF-1 floating facility, 50 Unite members will conduct three 24-hour strikes on August 21, 23, and 28, while a continuous overtime ban will also be in effect from August 21 to secure an improved pay offer.

The dispute on the Captain and Alba installations centers on Ithaca Energy's "fourteen days 'clawback' policy," which Unite considers "draconian." The policy, significantly above the industry norm of seven days, results in a financial equivalent of £6,000 lost income per person.

Despite previous strike ballots and months of turbulence in the North Sea, unrest is gradually easing. However, with inflation still posing challenges in the UK, Unite's members are prepared to fight to enhance their pay.

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasized the determination of Petrofac membership to secure a better deal and support fair pay and improved conditions in the offshore sector. The industrial officer, John Boland, noted the strong support for industrial action from Petrofac members and encouraged the company and Ithaca Energy to resolve the disputes through dialogue.

The dispute arises amid inflation concerns and a continued drive towards net-zero targets. Ithaca Energy's billion-barrel Captain oilfield, located east of Aberdeen, is among the assets at the center of the strike action. Petrofac, however, remains committed to reaching an agreement through continued constructive dialogue with the union.

The Ithaca FPF-1 installation recorded a 94.4% vote in favor of taking strike action, while the Captain Alba installations received 100% support for the proposed industrial action. Unite will proceed with the strikes as workers remain steadfast in their pursuit of improved pay and working conditions.