Unite the union today (27 August) confirmed its offshore catering members have accepted an above inflation pay offer from the Catering Offshore Trade Association (COTA).
The overall pay package is worth an increase of 4.5 per cent, and it runs for one-year starting on 1 September 2024. The deals includes a basic 4 per cent increase in pay, increases in the travel, mileage and dinner allowances along with an increase in the festive payment from £100 to £120.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a good wage deal for our offshore caterers which covers 2,000 workers. The pay package negotiated by Unite demonstrates the value of being a trade union member. We are fully committed to improving the jobs, terms and conditions for workers in the offshore oil and gas sector.”
The COTA wage deal covers over 2,000 workers in offshore catering companies including Aramark, Conntrak, Entier, ESS, FOSS & ESG, Sodexo and Trinity International Services.
Unite’s membership covered by COTA includes chefs, cleaners, heli-admin, and stewards who deliver catering, and ancillary services across North Sea oil and gas installations.
Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer, added: “The COTA wage deal backed by our offshore members will deliver a significant boost to pay packets. It’s a deal we are pleased to have successfully negotiated and it enhances basic pay and allowances. The deal provides a solid platform to build upon for next year’s negotiations.”