HUNDREDS of offshore workers across three companies could be heading for strikes amid disputes over pay and terms and conditions, Unite warned today.

More than 200 workers on Repsol’s operations at Arbroath, AUK, Bleoholm, Claymore, Clyde, Fulmer, Montrose and Piper Bravo are already planning a series of one-day strikes on August 6, 13 and 28 and another on September 4, with an overtime ban in place throughout, after 92.1 per cent voted to reject the employer’s latest pay offer.

The control room operators, supervisors, electricians, technicians, mechanics and health and safety advisers at Repsol could soon be joined by a further 130 at CNOOC, after they rejected a 4.25 per cent offer from a company which raked profits of £130 million in the last year alone.

About 20 workers at MCL Medics, who provide statutory lifesaving services offshore and have yet to receive an offer from their employer, are also being balloted for walkouts.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are being forced into strike action due to a series of unacceptable pay offers made by companies who can easily afford to pay more.

“Workers are watching companies rack up eye-watering profits, but their hard work is not being rewarded. Unite will fully back our offshore workers fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Unite industrial officer John Boland warned: “Hundreds of offshore workers have been left with no choice but to take strike action or to hold ballots due to the greed of their employers.

“There is still time to resolve these disputes and we would urge these companies to get back round the negotiating table before platforms are brought to a standstill.”

A MCL medics spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to learn that a ballot on industrial action is being reported at such an early stage in our annual pay negotiations.

“MCL entered into a recognition agreement with the union in good faith, and we have since maintained regular and constructive dialogue.

“While no formal basic pay offer has yet been made, we have already proposed a number of enhancements to other terms and benefits in response to union requests.

“We are seeking further clarification from Unite regarding the decision to proceed with a ballot, particularly as the agreed collective disputes procedure is still in progress and not yet exhausted.”

Respsol and CNOOC were contacted for comment.