Workers on Ithaca Energy's North Sea assets, operated by Bilfinger, are poised to strike in June over pay disputes, potentially disrupting oil production. The industrial action involves employees on the Alba FSU and FPF1 facilities, with strikes scheduled from June 7 to June 12.
Strike Details and Impact
The strike action, organized by the Unite union, will see workers on the Alba unit cease operations for a day, followed by a four-day strike on the FPF1. This move comes after Bilfinger refused to extend a retention bonus to around 20 workers, despite other companies on the same assets providing such payments.
"Ithaca Energy and Bilfinger are incredibly wealthy companies that can fully afford to pay the retention bonus to our members," said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary.
Financial Context
Ithaca Energy reported a profit before tax of $2 billion in February 2026, up from $1.4 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, Bilfinger UK Limited posted profits of £17.7 million in 2024, an increase from £14 million in 2023. Despite these profits, the companies have not extended the bonus scheme to Bilfinger employees, including scaffolders, engineers, and deck and rope access workers.
| Company | 2024 Profit | 2026 Profit |
|---|---|---|
| Ithaca Energy | $1.4 billion | $2 billion |
| Bilfinger UK Limited | £14 million | £17.7 million |
Broader Labor Disputes
The strike is part of a broader wave of labor disputes in the North Sea. An industrial action ballot for approximately 50 offshore workers on the Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn platforms, operated by Neo Next + Energy, is also underway. This dispute arises from a rejected pay rise offer below 3%.
Outlook
The outcome of these strikes could significantly impact North Sea oil production and market dynamics. Traders and analysts will be closely monitoring the situation, with potential implications for oil prices and supply chain disruptions. Key upcoming data releases include the US EIA inventory data and OPEC+ compliance rates.
