WORK OFFSHORE? THINGS 'GETTING ON TOP OF YOU'? FEELING A BIT STRETCHED AND UNDER VALUED? Without doubt, the drive for productivity and profit is again casting a shadow over the safety agenda. Cost cutting, maintenance cut backs and down manning have become the order of the day. This 'cost-cutting' agenda provides a compelling case for the existence of a well-resourced body speaking up for offshore workers and their families. This is the role that OILC in its short history has strenuously worked to fulfil. OILC represents a vigorous and dynamic self-help organisation, by offshore workers for offshore workers. Respect, or the lack of it, is at the centre of every problem we face. When safety takes second place to costs, the pain stretches far beyond the victims and their families. When we are forced into silence for fear of being "run off" and "NRB'd", we are being treated with contempt. We have the right to a say in our own lives and our industry. We have the right to a safe workplace. You can make a difference. As OILC grows in membership, so its effectiveness increases. Please take the time to read our "OILC...Union of Choice" and "OILC - The Facts" pages which provide you with details of our aims and objectives and the services we provide. Perhaps on reading this material and after browsing our web site you will come to see that OILC is an organisation that meets your needs. An organisation whose only purpose is the advancement of the interests of all who work offshore.