OFFSHORE divers have secured a substantial pay increase of nearly 25 per cent, their union RMT announced today.

The three-year deal was backed by nearly 90 per cent of more than 800 members who are working under the Offshore Diving Industry Agreement (ODIA).

It represents a 15 per cent uplift from May, a 4.5 per cent increase in 2025, and another 4.5 per cent in 2026.

Employers also agreed to incrementally reinstate six public holidays which had been withdrawn during the pandemic.

The deal was struck after the union called for two months of strike action. Negotiations then commenced under the auspices of Acas.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This result really does show what the solidarity of workers sticking together to get what they deserve can achieve.

“The fact that they were prepared to take two months of solid strike action says it all.

“We should also recognise that without being organised at the workplace and engaged in dialogue with the employers we could not have achieved this magnificent result.”