OCA Invites Unions for Fresh Talks

The Offshore Contractors’ Association has invited trade unions to take part in fresh talks this week, in an effort to bring a pay dispute to an end.

“Now all the trade union ballots have been declared we must focus all our energy on reaching a fair and reasonable settlement,” Paul Atkinson, CEO of the Offshore Contractors Association, said in a statement sent to Rigzone.

“I have contacted the relevant union officials and asked them to join me around the negotiating table in the next few days,” he added.

The OCA reached out to the unions because it believes an early settlement is in everyone’s interest, according to Atkinson.

“We must share responsibility for securing the long term future of the UK Continental Shelf,” he said.

“Our offer which guarantees that basic and associated pay elements will increase by two percent this year, and a minimum of two percent next year, remains on the table,” Atkinson added.