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Dear whoever,
I wish to register a formal grievance against the company’s proposals to alter my terms and conditions of employment as outlined in your letter to the workforce dated (insert date from company letter)
It was a very disheartening letter to receive given its’ terms of “improving efficiency – especially safety” while at the same time intimating that the operators were focused on cutting operating costs. Myself and my colleagues pride ourselves on our work commitment and work efficiency. Our dedication to safety is surely not in question. A letter urging us to focus on improvement in these areas is rather insulting when it is accompanied by an announcement that our remuneration is to be impacted to our detriment.
My colleagues and I are well aware of the global economic difficulties. However, the suggestion in your letter that our current day rate is no longer a commercially viable way in which to structure payments offshore is not acceptable. You state that you are committed to honouring the OCA Agreement. Well the concept of minimum day rates is enshrined in that agreement – and indeed predated the involvement of the partner trade unions. Payment to the contracting workforce of a day rate has been accepted by both sides of industry as recognition of the flexibility required to provide 24 hour cover while offshore. Built into the day rate is a minimal provision for overtime to cover the often unpredictable and fluctuating requirement for this on an annual basis. This is equally the case with provision for nightshift remuneration. I see any erosion of this as a backward step, not only for the workforce but for the whole industry. Continual improvement of efficiency is assured with a flexible, committed workforce, not by the introduction of clock watching, time sheets, administration and the resultant differentials in pay that would arise.
Also, there is no justification for any reduction in the present day rate. Oil and gas prices are always uncertain. The prices have been far lower than they are today without any impact on the day rate, indeed we were working a day rate while oil was at $10 a barrel around 1999/2000. Like my colleagues I will remain focused during any difficult periods offshore and will fully commit to a continuing improvement in efficiency and safety. That goes without saying. I will not however, agree to an unjustified reduction in my remuneration for that commitment.
I would also like to point out that I am not a member of either of the partner unions Unite or GMB. I am not satisfied that those unions have sufficient membership offshore to make any consultation with those organisations worthwhile. They do not represent the workforce.
I look forward to notification of a meeting at which my above grievance can be explored.
Yours sincerely,
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