Unite, the Scottish offshore trade union, announced on Friday that it is conducting a ballot involving hundreds of Odfjell offshore drillers. The dispute centers around working rotas and paid annual leave.

The dispute encompasses crews on Equinor’s Mariner platform and TAQA platforms, which include Harding, Tern Alpha, East Brae, Brae Alpha, and the North Cormorant. The members participating in the ballot consist of drillers, electricians, mechanics, and materials controllers.

The five-week ballot began on Friday, October 27, and will conclude on December 7. Unite has warned that strike action could occur early next year if the ballots are successful.

The primary issue in the dispute is Odfjell's refusal to alter working rotas and provide paid annual leave. Currently, the drillers work on a three-week on, three-week off rotation, which they claim puts them at a disadvantage compared to other offshore workers on Equinor and TAQA installations. Operator staff, caterers, and construction workers operate on a two-week on, three-week off rotation. Odfjell and the operators contend that any changes to the working rotas would result in the drillers having to accept reduced pay.

Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, expressed support for the drillers, stating, "Drillers are among the hardest-working individuals in the offshore sector and deserve to receive the same time off as other offshore workers."

Unite also highlighted a previous victory in February when it secured three additional weeks of paid time off for 100 offshore drillers employed by Odfjell on the BP Clair and Clair Ridge projects. The extra leave was equivalent to an 11.5 percent wage increase.

Vic Fraser, Unite industrial officer, emphasized that this dispute is not just about money but also about work-life balance, fatigue, and staff turnover. He noted that Odfjell recently reported a significant increase in annual profits, making it crucial to achieve a better working environment for the drillers.