{"id":58217,"title":"Apache offshore staff ballot on strike after pay dispute","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2026-09-03T15:09:44+00:00","modified":"2026-09-03T15:09:44+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/north-sea-apache-workers-balloted-after-hostile-pay-negotiations/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/north-sea-apache-workers-balloted-after-hostile-pay-negotiations.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/north-sea-apache-workers-balloted-after-hostile-pay-negotiations.json","category":"Business","categories":["Business","Companies","Energy"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/apache-offshore-staff-ballot-on-strike-after-pay-dispute.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"Approximately 160 offshore employees of Apache have been placed on a ballot for potential industrial action. The move follows allegations by Unite the Union that the Houston-based operator conducted hostile pay negotiations. The union claims the company offered pay freezes and increases below inflation, while also threatening to withhold back pay. The dispute involves a range of technical roles, including electrical, instrument, mechanical, and production technicians, as well as telecoms technicians and radio operators.\n\nThe ballot covers workers assigned to seven Apache assets linked to the Forties and Beryl oil fields. Unite has further accused the firm of setting arbitrary deadlines for reaching an agreement on back pay, suggesting that payment may be withheld if these targets are not met. The voting process opens on 3 September and concludes on 1 October. Should the majority support industrial action, strikes are expected to commence in mid-October. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated that the company is treating its members with contempt by making offers that effectively amount to pay cuts, despite the parent group generating significant profits. She affirmed the union’s full support for the workers’ campaign for improved conditions and remuneration.\n\nApache recently announced plans to close its UK operations by 2030, citing the impact of windfall tax. Industry observers have noted that keeping the Forties field open into the 2030s would have required substantial investment. Meanwhile, Well-Safe Solutions and NMC Energy have secured contracts for the decommissioning of the Beryl and Forties assets. An Apache spokesperson acknowledged the ballot, stating that the company has engaged constructively and in good faith. The firm maintains that its final offer is fair, reflects the contribution of its workforce, and aligns with pay rises given to non-unionised employees earlier in the year. The company also emphasised its focus on safety and the reliable operation of its North Sea assets."}