Commenting on BALPA members’ support for strike action, Deirdre Michie, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, said:
“In light of the damage to competitiveness driven by rising costs and exacerbated by the falling oil price, companies on the UK Continental Shelf have been working hard to improve efficiency and reduce expenditure. Regretfully, this transformation is not without difficult decisions having to be made, but this focused approach and concerted action is beginning to yield results which will help to restore the attractiveness of the basin.
“However, there is still a long way to go. The lower and volatile oil price demands the sector becomes more efficient if we are to weather the downturn, and emerge in competitive shape, capable of again offering an attractive investment proposition. Safe operations must not be compromised at any stage of the process.
“As we work through these challenging times, it is important that any changes are implemented as constructively as possible to minimise the impact on those affected.
“We urge all stakeholders in this great UK industry - companies, unions and employees alike – to reject conflict and work together to avoid industrial action which would only serve to further undermine the sector’s future in terms of jobs, investment, innovation and energy security for the long-term.”