The threat of strike action by offshore workers at Neo Next+ Energy's North Sea platforms has been averted after the workers backed an enhanced pay deal, removing a potential disruption to oil and gas production that could have indirectly affected shipping fuel supply chains.
According to Splash247, around 50 offshore workers employed by Neo Next at the Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn platforms had been preparing for a series of strikes set to begin on July 22. The workers had previously rejected pay offers of less than 3%.
The one-year offer will lift the pay package by over £4,000 ($5,390) due to increases in basic pay and offshore allowance. Unite, the union representing the workers, said that the threat of strike action improved the Neo Next pay offer by approximately 75%.
Affected Workers and Platforms
The workers involved in the pay deal include control room, production, and senior operators, as well as operations and production technicians. The platforms affected are the Elgin Franklin and North Alwyn fields, both operated by Neo Next+ Energy in the North Sea.
Neo Next+ Energy is the largest independent oil and gas producer in the North Sea, formed from a merger between Neo Next and TotalEnergies’ UK Upstream oil and gas operations in December last year, according to Splash247.
Union Reaction
“The Neo Next workers stood firm to get the pay deal they deserved. Through the threat of strike action, they have substantially increased the pay offer, and this dispute demonstrates what can be achieved when workers collectively fight for better jobs, pay and conditions,” said Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, as reported by Splash247.
“Unite’s members employed by Neo Next remained resolute throughout and refused to buckle. They were fully determined to get what they deserved. The enhanced pay offer only came after the strong strike mandate, and we are pleased this dispute has been positively resolved with the support of our membership,” added Stevie Davies, Unite industrial officer.
Implications for Logistics and Shipping
The resolution of this labour dispute removes the risk of production stoppages at two major North Sea oil and gas platforms. For freight forwarders and logistics managers, stable oil production helps maintain predictable fuel supply, which in turn supports consistent bunker fuel pricing and shipping schedules. While the affected workers are offshore energy personnel, any strike could have disrupted crude oil and natural gas output, potentially tightening supply in the North Sea region and causing short-term price volatility for shipping fuel.
| Pay Offer Component | Initial Offer | Enhanced Offer (After Strike Threat) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pay + offshore allowance increase | Less than 3% | Over £4,000 ($5,390) increase (approx. 75% improvement) |
Watch List
- Future labour negotiations at other North Sea operators, which could impact production stability.
- Merger integration at Neo Next+ Energy and potential operational changes that may affect contractor relationships.
- Global oil price movements that influence wage bargaining in the energy sector.
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