Offshore workers have today rejected proposals offered by the Offshore Contractors Association (OCA) for North Sea workers on new offshore rotations.

Unite members voted 63.5% against in a move that could put strike action back on the table. It is understood GMB members voted in favour of the proposals but as the union had few members balloted their vote was outweighed by Unite. The Unions have said they will consult with members in the coming days.

The unions previously shelved plans to ballot on strike action in favour of returning to the negotiating table with OCA who's members include Petrofac, Woodgroup PSN and Stork.

Under the proposals workers would work a maximum of 3 weeks per trip and would have gained 2 weeks holidays in addition to normal field breaks with a 3% rise in sick pay. A review after 12 months was included in the proposals.

OCA’s chief executive Bill Murray said it was “extremely disappointed” by the move.

Unite industrial officer Willie Wallace said: “We said previously that our members would have the final say and they are clear that the OCA offer isn’t good enough.

“North Sea employers must do more to address the deep concerns our members have over these shift pattern changes – from loss of earnings and livelihoods to the impact on workplace health and safety and quality of life.

“We are not blind to the challenges facing the industry, indeed we are acutely aware it because the human cost of the downturn is clear in the deep cuts to our members’ incomes and livelihoods.

“However, the lesson the industry has to take from this process is that it must consult and engage with our members in a far more meaningful manner and that any changes impacting lives and livelihoods should not be imposed.”

An RMT offshore energy branch meeting is set to take place tomorrow in Glasgow following the OCA referendum ballot.

Members have been urged to attend the meeting at the Premier Inn in Glasgow, before “deciding how we react to the OCA decision and the industry cuts agenda”.