Oil and gas workers employed by the Texas-based firm Apache in the North Sea have voted in favor of strike action following a breakdown in pay negotiations. The Unite union, which represents the workers, stated that the company’s recent pay offer was unacceptable, arguing that it fails to keep pace with inflation and effectively constitutes a pay cut for many staff members.

The union has publicly criticized Apache’s financial position, noting that the company has reported substantial profits during a period of economic pressure for workers. According to Unite, the decision to strike was made after the company failed to reach a satisfactory agreement regarding back pay and compensation structures. The union has warned that the upcoming industrial action has the potential to severely disrupt the supply of fuel within the United Kingdom.

While the union has been vocal about the necessity of the strike, Apache has not yet provided a detailed public rebuttal or a counter-proposal to the union's specific claims regarding the profit margins or the timeline for back pay. The situation remains fluid as both parties navigate the impasse, with the potential for broader energy sector implications if the strike proceeds as planned.