18 November 2013, News Wires – Platform workers off Norway have initiated a slowdown in a protest over pay that will hit modification work on facilities.
Around 1400 workers carrying out insulation and maintenance work with contractors Kaefer, Bilfinger and Beerenberg are working only 45% of their normal working hours, with proportionately lower pay, after failing to agree on new salary terms with employers last Friday.
Leader of Kaefer’s branch of the Safe union, Jens Hermannsson, said members voted almost unanimously for the action, adding “we are focused on finding a solution” to secure an improved pay offer.
The union’s leader, Hilde-Marit Rysst, told Bloomberg platforms requiring modifications would be among the first to feel the effects of the action, which would vary from site to site both onshore and offshore.
The latest labour dispute off the country comes nearly 18 months after a 16-day strike by Norwegian workers shut down eight Statoil-operated platforms and cut oil production by 13%.
– Upstream
