Offshore Diving Industry Agreement (ODIA) update

Circular No: NP/029/19

TO ALL SHIPPING & OFFSHORE BRANCHES & REGIONAL COUNCILS.

Our ref: S10/12 S1/1

12th February 2019

Dear Colleagues

Offshore Diving Industry Agreement (ODIA) update

I am writing to inform all members of the significant progress your union has made in protecting ODIA rates of pay and terms and conditions in the North Sea from being undermined.

In recent years, Dutch company Boskalis have secured a number of new diving contracts in the UK sector of the North Sea. The company was not in the ODIA with RMT and rates of pay on its vessels were not covered by the negotiated standard for the UKCS. Through concerted dialogue and political pressure brought about by RMT, Boskalis have agreed to become an associate ODIA member. As an associate member the company will adhere to and will pay all terms and benefits covered in the ODIA.

Boskalis will remain an associate member of ODIA for a period of time before becoming a full member at a later date. When Boskalis become a full member, they will then participate in negotiations with RMT, along with the existing ODIA member companies – KD Marine, Helix, N-Sea, Rever, Technip and Subsea7.

It should also be noted that this company’s subsidiary, Boskalis Westminster Ltd is a major dredging company which has carried out a number of projects in UK waters, including for the Ministry of Defence but do not employ UK Ratings on their dredgers. We will also be pressing this company to recognise RMT for collective bargaining purposes.
I would appreciate it if you could bring this circular to the attention of all Branch members and you will be kept informed of all further developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary