Following on from the article in our last ebulletin relating to off-shore
workers, it has been reported that Talisman Energy (UK) has granted 500 of
its offshore operations and maintenance employees a two-weeks-on, three-weeks-off
shift pattern which is to be introduced by the end of the year.
The issue of holiday rights was raised at an Aberdeen tribunal recently, with
North Sea workers claiming they were entitled to four weeks' paid leave under
the Working Time Directive. The change at Talisman follows a ballot on the
proposed arrangement in which 90% of workers responded, with an overwhelming
95% vote in favour. The proposal also provided for a one-year pay freeze and
the cessation of a bonus scheme and will also allow employees the opportunity
to undertake more overtime. The move, which is claimed by Talisman to improve
work-life balances choices, has been welcomed by the OILC Union.
