Striking divers meet with union

Divers work at depths of up to several hundred feet

North Sea divers on strike after rejecting a pay offer from employers have met with union officials.

Around 250 divers attended a mass meeting in Aberdeen.

Members of the RMT union voted against a new three-year deal offering a 20% increase immediately, plus more from April next year.

There has been concern that any strike action could bring chaos to parts of the UK oil and gas sector. The meeting was held on Friday afternoon.

The RMT said divers were carrying out probably the most dangerous job in the North Sea, working on wells and pipelines at depths of several hundred feet.

Massive profits

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said the divers were resolute in continuing the strike.

He added: "They are 100% behind the strike - they are standing shoulder to shoulder.

"The employers have been making massive profits over the last few years and our members have helped to contribute to that - it is time to put the matter right.

"The mood is one of determination. We are willing to talk, but any offer that is made will go back to our members before a decision is made."

The union said the walkout would continue for as long as it took for employers to come back with a better deal.

However, the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) said it was disappointed that the divers had rejected the latest pay offer despite their union's recommendation to accept it.