Shetland based members in dispute over company refusal to make acceptable pay offer
Unite has confirmed that Sodexo workers resumed 24-hour strike action (Wednesday 7 January) as part of an escalating pay dispute with the company.
Around 30 members performing various roles including mechanics, cleaners, plant operators and electricians are set to take part in a series of stoppages on 7, 12, 14, 21, and 28 January.
Unite members have rejected an unacceptable two-year pay offer by Sodexo which falls short of the workers’ pay aspirations after unanimously backing strike action. In 2024, Sodexo Remote Sites Scotland posted profits after tax amounting to £593,000.
The Sodexo strike action at Sullom Voe terminal is in addition to the forthcoming strike action involving around 60 Altrad contractors on 12 and 26 January 2026.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Sodexo have not tabled an acceptable pay offer to our members for the past year which is completely unacceptable. The workers deserve to be treated with respect but Sodexo is treating them with contempt.
'Sodexo is a profitable company and it could end this dispute today but the company is putting profits before people.
'Unite will fully support our members at the Sullom Voe terminal, fighting for better jobs, pay and conditions.'
A separate dispute by EnQuest workers at Sullom Voe was settled with a one-off payment for 2025 and a four per cent award for 2026. Overtime payments were also improved alongside the pay anniversary date for 2026 being brought forward from April to January.
A further pay dispute was also successfully resolved by Unite in October involving Altrad offshore contractors working on the Magnus and Thistle Alpha platforms operated by EnQuest. Unite secured a pay rise which brought the workers in line with the offshore Energy Services Agreement (ESA) uplift of 4.5 per cent on basic pay and allowances.
Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser, said: 'Widespread and escalating industrial disruption at Sullom Voe will continue because Sodexo has joined Altrad in failing to fairly reward its workforce. Unite will not accept low ball offers from profitable companies and we will challenge these companies to get our members the pay rises they deserve'.
Original announcement link
Source: Unite
