Industrial unrest in the North Sea is intensifying as trade unions and energy firms reach a standoff, threatening to impact UK fuel supplies. The Unite union announced on Monday that over 160 offshore rig workers are preparing for a 24-hour strike beginning Wednesday. The union warns that this action could “severely disrupt” national fuel supplies. More than 160 offshore rig workers plan walkout amid rising tensions between unions and oil companies.
The dispute involves five Apache oil platforms linked to the Forties Pipeline System, which accounts for roughly 30% of domestic oil production. Unite claims that any significant halt in output could trigger a dangerous pressure drop across the pipeline network. While Unite and Apache are scheduled for pay negotiations through the Acas mediation service this Wednesday, the union intends to proceed with the walkout, citing the company’s “no willingness” to resolve the core issues. It says, the company has shown “no willingness” to resolve the dispute, but Unite expects the 24-hour strike to go ahead at 6am that morning because.
In response, an Apache spokesperson stated the company plans to utilize experienced contractors to maintain production levels. Apache defended its position, noting that its current proposal includes a 4% pay increase for staff who are already among the UK’s highest earners with a standard offshore rota of 153 days annually. The firm added that even if the five platforms ceased operations, it does not anticipate broader impacts on other entities utilizing the Forties system. Ineos, which owns the pipeline, did not provide a comment regarding the situation. Whose earnings already place them among the highest earners in the UK and whose offshore rota averages 153 working days a year.”, the company added: “Our offer provides a 4% pay increase for employees in the bargaining unit.
Concurrent industrial action is also underway involving Wood Group workers contracted to Harbour Energy. These employees have planned a 48-hour strike starting Tuesday, followed by another 48-hour session on November 3, as coordinated by Unite and the RMT union. Regarding earlier actions this month, Wood Group stated that only eight of its 150 contracted staff members participated, resulting in no operational disruption.
The broader North Sea sector is currently facing significant friction, with major companies scaling back investments and citing UK energy policies alongside a 78% total tax rate on profits.
Apache specifically indicated it intends to conclude its North Sea operations by late 2029, pointing to the financial burden of the government’s windfall tax. Harbour Energy has similarly linked reduced investment to the national tax regime, noting that it has cut its workforce by approximately 600 since 2023, including plans for an additional 100 job losses announced late last year.
This surge in labor disputes arrives at a precarious time for the UK as the country prepares for the upcoming October 28 budget and a decision on the Jackdaw gas project. National concerns over energy security are further heightened by existing pressures from global conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
