OFFSHORE oil workers have backed a pay deal of up to £8,000 after threatening strike action, Unite announced today.

Around 130 workers at China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) accepted a basic pay increase worth 5.5 per cent, with further improvements to allowances worth an additional 7 per cent. 

The union announced in July that it was balloting around 350 offshore workers on potential industrial action, including Repsol and CNOOC employees.

But after previously voting to support a strike and rejecting several pay offers, Unite said the CNOOC workers, including control room operators, supervisors, electricians, technicians and mechanics, have “overwhelmingly” backed the new pay deal.

The overall package is equivalent to up to £8,000 for members working on the Buzzard, Scott, and Golden Eagle platforms, depending on their role, said Unite.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has successfully delivered its latest wage win for offshore workers, this time for those employed by CNOOC. 

“It’s a significant increase which only came about due to our members being prepared to take strike action to get a better deal.”

It comes after the energy industry union negotiated pay deals with offshore operators including Equinor, TotalEnergies and Neo Next (Repsol).

With CNOOC’s latest deal, these have collectively put over £2 million directly into the pockets of offshore workers. 

Unite industrial officer John Boland said: “Unite is pleased to secure a good pay deal for our CNOOC membership. 

“We are putting millions of pounds directly into the pockets of highly-skilled workers in the oil and gas industry. 

“Unite does what it says on the tin: we deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for offshore workers.”