MORE than 50 offshore workers are being balloted for industrial action in what could see the North Sea strike wave spread further.

The IES Callenberg and SGS UK limited workers, who include chemists, heating and ventilation engineers, are being balloted by Unite over rota disputes.

It comes just days after the union announced strike action at Odjfell, which could shut down Norwegian oil giant Equinor’s mariner platform over the coming months.

The workers say rotas are causing levels of excessive fatigue and burnout, putting workers’ safety at risk in one of the world’s most challenging working environments.

Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser said: “The overriding concern driving these disputes is that workers at IES Callenberg and SGS UK Limited currently work a three weeks on, three weeks off rota.

“However, all required training must be carried out during their break.

“This situation is unacceptable and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“If not, our members will be forced to take strike action, or they will simply leave the companies.”

IES Callenberg and SGS UK Limited have been contacted for comment.