RMT survey reveals extent of offshore Covid-19 crisis

24 April 2020

RMT Press Office:

RMT survey reveals extent of Covid-19 crisis for offshore gas and oil industry workers

OFFSHORE Union RMT today released the findings of a survey of members looking at the oil and gas industry’s approach to tackling Covid-19 offshore.

The survey findings coincide with the Trade Union affiliates of the Offshore Coordinating Group (OCG) taking their place on the Pandemic Steering Group (PSG) established by the employers' body OGUK.

The OCG attended their first meeting of the PSG this week and have set out the Trade Union objectives for testing offshore workers, aviation and helicopter transport, access to furlough for all offshore workers and developing best practice amongst employers.

The findings from the RMT's survey of offshore workers, carried out 15-18 April reinforce the OCG's objectives and the need for employers and regulators to take urgent action to combat the spread and impact of Covid-19. The survey also found that only 15% of offshore workers are entitled to full sick pay if they need to self-isolate or contract COVID-19; that 43% have not been issued with any Covid-19 PPE; and 67% rated their employer’s response to Coronavirus as average or worse.

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said:

“RMT members across the offshore industry must be heard by employers and the Health and Safety Executive during this disturbing period. We are calling for the Pandemic Steering Group to deliver in the areas that the OCG trade unions have identified as priorities for our members.

“Furthermore, it is scandalous that key energy workers are left relying on statutory sick pay when this industry is as vulnerable as any other to Coronavirus contagion. “

Ends.

Notes for editors

The OCG statement can be found at https://bit.ly/2S4BY8R