More than 160 workers at oil and gas operator Apache have voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay, raising the prospect of significant disruption to UK fuel supplies. The Unite union, which represents the workers, has warned that industrial action could begin this month and would affect seven Apache assets linked to the Forties and Beryl oil fields in the North Sea.
The Texas-based company’s offshore workforce has “emphatically” backed strikes after what Unite described as an unacceptable pay offer, particularly at a time when the firm is “raking in eye-watering profits”. Unite also said Apache had set deadlines for reaching an agreement over back pay and had indicated that payments could be withheld, “leaving workers potentially thousands of pounds out of pocket”.
Union warns of severe impact on fuel supplies
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “We will not tolerate unacceptable pay offers.” The union’s industrial officer, Stevie Davies, warned that any disruption to Apache’s platforms “would have a direct hit on the Forties pipeline and potentially severely affect the UK’s fuel supplies”.
The Forties pipeline system is a crucial part of the UK’s oil and gas infrastructure, transporting a significant share of the country’s North Sea output. A prolonged stoppage could therefore have knock-on effects for refineries and fuel distribution networks across the country.
Apache defends pay offer and engagement record
Apache responded by saying it had “engaged constructively throughout the pay discussions” and had offered a 4% pay increase for staff. The company noted that its offshore workers “already place them among the highest earners in the UK” and that their offshore rota averages 153 working days a year. Apache added: “We believe our final offer to the union is fair and recognises the contribution of our offshore workforce, alongside the wider benefits in our total rewards package.” The company also said the proposed increase was “in line with that awarded to our non-unionised employees earlier this year”.
Context of rising fuel and energy costs
The strike threat comes as UK motorists face record fuel prices. Average UK diesel prices hit £2 a litre for the first time this week, according to the RAC, with the motoring body’s Simon Williams alerting drivers on Thursday. Energy bills have also risen sharply after the price cap increased on October 1.
If strikes go ahead, the combination of higher fuel costs and potential supply disruptions could put further pressure on households and businesses already struggling with the cost of living. The situation remains fluid, with both sides appearing to hold firm in the dispute.
