More than 250 North Sea-based workers employed by Apache Corporation have secured union recognition for their pay and working conditions.
The recognition agreement with hydrocarbon exploration organisation Apache Corporation covers offshore workers across seven assets associated with the Forties and Beryl oil fields. They perform various roles at the organisation, such as electrical, instrument, mechanical and production technicians, telecoms technicians, and radio operators.
Trade union Unite, which represents the workers, will now negotiate on behalf of the workers to improve their jobs, pay and conditions with Apache Corporation, which is a subsidiary of APA Corporation.
An Apache Corporation spokesperson said: “Apache can confirm that following discussions with Unite, we have agreed terms for voluntary union recognition across our North Sea offshore assets. Unite is now recognised for the purposes of collective bargaining for Apache’s technicians and radio operators working on our Beryl and Forties fields. Both parties will work together constructively, supporting positive employee and industrial relations built on mutual trust and respect. The welfare and safety of our personnel remains our top priority.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “The Apache recognition agreement is a great result for Unite in the offshore sector. It shows that Unite is continuing to deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for our critical oil and gas workers who are essential to the nation’s energy security and supply.”
Stevie Davies, industrial officer at Unite, said: “Unite is delighted to have secured another win in the offshore sector this time for Apache workers. The union recognition agreement will ensure that Unite has a platform to deliver enhanced pay and conditions for this key group of offshore workers across a number of Apache assets.”
Unite has also launched a campaign called Keep The North Sea Working to demand protection for oil and gas jobs and the communities they sustain from Scottish politicians. It has asked them to back its demand for a no compulsory redundancy pledge to preserve jobs, pay and conditions across the industry.
