Offshore divers win substantial pay deal

The three-year deal, backed by nearly 90 per cent of over 800 members involved in a referendum, represents a 15 per cent uplift from May and a 4.5 per cent increase in 2025 and another 4.5 per cent in 2026.

In addition, the employers have agreed to incrementally reinstate six public holidays withdrawn during the Covid pandemic.

The Bend watch rate: will also increase from 12 hours to 24 hours and travel allowance will increase by 36 per cent and allowances will be uplifted in line with RPI.

The union had put on two months of planned strike action by over 800 divers involved before negotiations commenced under the auspices of ACAS.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch congratulated the members for their steadfast determination to win a better deal following years without a pay rise to protect jobs during the downturn in oil and gas industry.

“This result really does show what the solidarity of workers sticking together to get what they deserved can achieve. The fact that they were prepared to take two months of solid strike action says it all.

“These divers and the support crews work in a high-risk environment and they should be recognised for the crucial work they carry out.

“We should also recognise that without being organised at the workplace and engaged in dialogue with the employers we could not have achieved this magnificent result,” he said.

(Pic: NEGOTIATING TEAM: (left to right) Des Hamman, RMT regional organiser Ann Joss, Stephanie Hodgson, and David Hart. In addition to those pictured listed were Joss Turner and Mark Suddick.)