WORKERS at one of Europe’s biggest oil and gas terminals have announced strike action as they fight for better pay, conditions and union recognition.

Unite has announced that workers with two key contractors at the Shetland Islands’ Sullom Voe complex will begin with 24-hour stoppages on May 7 and 21, escalating to 48-hour stoppages in June.

More than 40 chargehands, technicians and engineers at Worley Services are battling to win union recognition while they and their 20 HGV driver comrades at Altrad have both rejected sub-inflation pay offers. 

Unite industrial officer John Boland warned “industrial unrest is inevitable” without “dramatically improved offers.”

He said: “Worley Services have continuously refused to enter a site recognition agreement with Unite to formally discuss pay and conditions, whereas Altrad have failed to positively engage with Unite over this year’s pay offer.

“Both companies should be in no doubt that our members are resolute in their determination to secure a better working environment.

“If industrial action takes place, this will cause widespread disruption at Sullom Voe which is one of Scotland’s key oil and gas terminals.”

Worley Services and Altrad were contacted for comment.