Workers on EnQuest's Kittiwake Platform Balloted for Strike Action

September 05, 2023: Workers on EnQuest’s Kittiwake platform have voted to strike in a dispute over pay and conditions. The ballot, held by the Unite union, saw 94% of eligible workers vote favor industrial action.

The workers are seeking a 10% pay rise and a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies. They are also concerned about the platform’s safety, which has been the subject of several safety incidents in recent years.

EnQuest has said that it is disappointed with the result of the ballot and committed to resolving the dispute through negotiations. However, the union has said it is prepared to take strike action if necessary.

The strike is expected to begin on September 20 and could last for up to 24 hours. It could significantly impact oil production from the Kittiwake platform, one of the largest oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Businesses operating in the oil and gas industry should be aware of the potential for strike action and its impact on their operations.
• Businesses should also be prepared to mitigate the risks associated with strike action, such as stockpiling supplies or contingency planning.

Practical Takeaways for Businesses:

• Businesses should engage with unions early in the negotiation process to resolve disputes before escalating to strike action.
• Businesses should also have a contingency plan in place in case of strike action, such as stockpiling supplies or reassigning staff.

The strike action is a serious matter and could significantly impact EnQuest and the oil and gas industry. Both parties need to work together to find a resolution to the dispute.