**Wood Group Offshore Workers Launch 48-Hour Strike Amid Pay Row, Fire and Rehire Threats**
**Aberdeen, UK** – Hundreds of offshore workers employed by energy services giant Wood Group have commenced a 48-hour strike across multiple North Sea installations today, in a deepening dispute over pay, terms, and conditions.
The industrial action, organised by the Unite union, involves maintenance, construction, and production personnel, and is expected to cause significant disruption to operations on several key oil and gas platforms.
Unite has stated that its members initiated the strike in response to what it calls an unacceptable pay offer and the threat of severe cuts to their terms and conditions. The union highlighted specific concerns, including the contentious use of “fire and rehire” notices and the prospect of significant pay reductions for its members.
Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, has consistently criticised the practice of “fire and rehire” across various sectors, stating it is an aggressive tactic used to drive down workers’ pay and conditions.
A spokesperson for Unite confirmed that workers are demanding a fairer pay deal that reflects the rising cost of living and the challenging offshore working environment. They argue that Wood Group, a major player in the energy services sector, should be offering a more equitable settlement, especially in light of recent high profits in the wider energy industry.
Wood Group has yet to issue an official statement regarding the strike, but the company has previously indicated its commitment to ongoing dialogue with unions to reach a resolution. Such disputes often involve complex negotiations over pay scales, shift patterns, and allowances.
This industrial action is the latest in a series of offshore strikes that have impacted the UK North Sea this year, as workers across the energy sector push for improved pay and conditions amidst a high inflationary environment and a backdrop of substantial profits for energy companies.
Following the 48-hour stoppage, workers are scheduled to return to duties, but Unite has warned that further industrial action could follow if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. The union has urged Wood Group to return to the negotiating table with an improved offer to avert future disruptions.
