OFFSHORE workers on two North Sea platforms operated by Neo Next + Energy are being balloted for industrial action as part of a pay dispute, their union Unite has announced.

The ballot of about 50 workers, including control room, production and senior operators, as well as operations and production technicians on Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn platforms, began yesterday and will run until July 6 after workers rejected a pay offer worth less than 3 per cent — a real-terms pay cut.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These workers deserve far better than a pitiful pay offer from an oil and gas operator making hundreds of millions in profits. 

“Unite’s offshore members will have our full support in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”  

Urging the firm to reengage in pay talks, Unite industrial officer Stevie Davies, added: “These are highly skilled workers and low ball pay offers simply don’t cut it.

“The company need to get back round the table swiftly or our members will have no option but to take action.” 

Neo Next + Energy declined to comment.