CHRISTMAS has come early for workers at an Orkney Oil terminal after their union Unite won recognition from Repsol Services.

The agreement, negotiated through conciliation service Acas, will mean about 40 workers — including marine and production technicians, control room operators and those in supervisory roles — working for the contractor at the Flotta oil terminal will now see the full benefits of trade union membership.

It comes a year after the company signed a recognition agreement with the union to cover around 350 workers on its Arbroath, Auk, Bleo Holm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmar, Montrose, Piper, and Tartan offshore platforms, and is the latest in series of recognition wins for Unite in a sector once known for its hostility to union organising.

Welcoming signs that the tide is turning, Unite industrial officer Shauna Wright said: “The recognition agreement covering our members at the Flotta terminal is another significant step forward for Unite in fighting for oil and gas workers.

“The agreement was voluntarily negotiated with Repsol Resources and demonstrates that Unite wants to constructively work with companies to drive up standards in the oil and gas industry.”