Fresh wave of North Sea oil strikes suspended as talks restart
A third round of strikes on Shell's North Sea platforms have been suspended to restart talks between Wood Group and trade unions.
A series of strikes had been planned by workers of oil services firm Wood Group on Shell's Curlew, Brent Alpha, Brent Bravo, Nelson, Gannet, Shearwater, Brent Charlie platforms between 15 August and 3 September.
Unions clashed with Wood Group over its plans to introduce lower pay, longer hours and more demanding work schedules.
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But in a joint statement released yesterday, Unite the Union, RMT Union and Wood Group, said: "We have agreed to restart the process for resolution of the current dispute. We will hold a number of full-day meetings over the next few weeks, starting early next week, to take a fresh look at the issues."
They continued: "All parties recognise that the challenges we are facing in the North Sea are both real and serious and there is acceptance that change is required and will happen."
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It added that Wood Group has also agreed to stop implementing its current proposals while the talks continue.
North Sea oil workers went on strike for 48 hours on 4 August.
It came a week after nearly 400 employees downed their tools as part of a 24-hour stoppage.