More than 2,000 offshore catering workers have accepted a pay offer from their employer, the Catering Offshore Trade Association (COTA).
The employees, who are represented by trade union Unite, are chefs, cleaners, heli-admin, and stewards who deliver catering, and ancillary services across North Sea oil and gas installations. They work for offshore catering organisations such as Aramark, Conntrak, Entier, ESS, FOSS and ESG, Sodexo and Trinity International Services.
The overall package is worth an increase of 4.5% and includes a basic 4% boost in pay, travel, mileage and dinner allowances, along with a rise in their festive payment from £100 to £120. It runs for one year starting on 1 September.
Andrew Thomson, chairman of COTA, said: “We are pleased that the recent offer from COTA has been accepted by Unite. This offer and its acceptance by union members underscore our continued commitment to fair compensation and reflects the collaborative approach to negotiations by all parties. The acceptance of this offer is a positive step forward for both COTA and our valued workforce.”
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, added: “This is a good wage deal for our offshore caterers which covers 2,000 workers. The pay package negotiated by Unite demonstrates the value of being a trade union member. We are fully committed to improving the jobs, terms and conditions for workers in the offshore oil and gas sector.”
Shauna Wright, industrial officer at Unite, said: “The COTA wage deal backed by our offshore members will deliver a significant boost to pay packets. It’s a deal we are pleased to have successfully negotiated and it enhances basic pay and allowances. The deal provides a solid platform to build upon for next year’s negotiations.”
