Unite the union has today  announced that it is to ballot its membership at the Sullom Voe Terminal following talks with EnQuest to protect vital terms and conditions including pensions.

In a consultative ballot held over the festive period, 98% of Unite members voted to reject EnQuest’s proposed changes to terms and conditions on a 77% turnout. Unite launched the ballot to coincide with the end of a lengthy internal dispute process involving the union and the company which has produced no agreement.

John Clark, Unite regional industrial officer, said:

“Unite will now move forward with an industrial action ballot at Sullom Voe which we have received a resounding mandate for from our membership.

“We have reached the end of a lengthy internal dispute process that has resulted in no shift in EnQuest’s position.

“Unite will continue to support our members at every step of this difficult process and we will fiercely oppose the company’s unjustified proposals.

“Strike action is now on the table and a real prospect.”