Reply To: Recent ROV Uni0n activities

Colleagues,

I’ve been in touch with Terje Nustad, leder of SAFE, one of the two leading offshore unions. He’s promised to put us in touch with ROVers organised in the SAFE klubb (or klubbs? – which is not really the plural of klubb). He says the agreement the ROVers have is good.

One of the major achievements of the Norwegian unions is that they’ve slowed the oil industry to a safe(er) pace. But if you’re used to the hectic speed (or it was when I last worked there) of the UK sector it may at first be frustrating. Have patience. We’ll circulate the Norwegian ROV agreement and let you guys see what the employers are prepared to concede when confronted by an organised workforce.

I’m on holiday with the family for the next 10 days or so. I’ll be circulating the holiday pics and there’ll be a short question and answer session at the branch meeting, just to see who’s been keeping up.

All (but only) RMT members are welcome to the meeting (OILC or any other branch member). It’s on the 28th Aug in Cafe Dag’, 25 Crown St, Aberdeen (doors open 12 noon for a 12:30 start). We’ll be saying goodbye to Lorna Robertson who’s retiring after 20 years in the OILC office. Says she started when she was eleven.

I look forward to seeing anyone who can manage.

We are aware that shifts and geography work against us. That’s why our asst Branch Secretary Aidan Karley is working on the idea of a "virtual" branch. I know he’d be more than willing to collaborate with any of you guys who have ideas or expertise that might help. I can put you in touch with him.

We’re also inspired by this forum and he’s also trying to get together a forum that will allow the wider OILC Branch membership a focus for discussion. I know at least a couple of you could be of great assistance here. Aidan is very busy when he’s offshore, so if I put you in contact with him, be patient.

Fraternally

neil