Following the suspension of a threatened strike, offshore workers employed by Bilfinger UK have voted to accept a new pay and pension deal, averting industrial action that would have impacted major North Sea oil and gas fields.

Resolution of Pension Dispute

A planned 48-hour strike involving over 400 workers, which threatened operations at 19 fields operated by companies including BP, Ithaca Energy, Taqa, CNR International, and Ineos, was suspended on February 17th. This suspension came after Bilfinger returned to negotiations and presented a new, improved offer concerning a pension dispute. The union stated that the workers' readiness to strike was instrumental in compelling the company back to the bargaining table.

Details of the New Agreement

The secured deal includes a significant enhancement to the company pension scheme. Bilfinger's contribution rate will increase from 3% to 5%, with no thresholds applied to these payments. According to the union, this change will result in millions of pounds annually being redirected into the workers' pension funds.