DOZENS of offshore chemists and engineers will resume strike action in “escalating disputes” over rotas and pay, Unite said today.

Some 50 heating and ventilation engineers at IES Callenberg, who provide services on platforms operated by BP, TAQA, CNR, Repsol, Serica and CNOOC, will walk out for three days starting on Monday.

Chemists at SGS UK Limited, who service four BP platforms, will start their week-long action on the same day.

The staff work 12-hour shifts for three weeks at a time but must conduct any required training during their field breaks, which is not the case for onshore counterparts.

General secretary Sharon Graham said the offshore workers “remain resolute and determined to secure a better working environment.”

Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser said it was “bitterly disappointing” that the companies have refused to “positively engage with Unite” over working rotas or make any “meaningful pay offers.”

IES Callenberg was contacted for comment. SGS said: “Safety and well-being of our personnel is of utmost importance to SGS.”