Members of Unite the union working at Total’s Shetland Gas plant have accepted an improved pay offer. Following a consultative ballot, 65 % of Unite members on a 94 % turnout accepted the new deal. Accepting the offer now means that the proposed industrial action will not take place.

The new deal includes a base salary increase of 15% and a significant retention bonus. The 3/3 rota will be retained on the basis of 168 working days, which will include two weeks holiday and a commitment not to negatively change the rota for the next three years.

The result will add to the mounting pressure on Total E&P UK who are in a similar dispute with offshore members who work on the Alwyn, Elgin and Dunbar platforms.

John Boland, Unite regional industrial officer, said:

“Following months of negotiations, Unite members have secured a significant victory at the Shetland Gas Plant. A 15% base increase and a substantial bonus for the workforce has been awarded.

“While Unite has serious concerns over the 3/3 rota system remaining in place, which we will continue to forensically monitor, we have agreed a generous package available to those that wish to leave and received a commitment by Total not to make adverse changes to the rota system for next three years.

“On balance, our members have agreed to this new offer and all industrial action is now cancelled.”