Unite warns disruption could bring down Forties pipeline

Unite, the UK’s largest offshore union, is warning imminent strike action by over 160 Apache offshore workers could ‘severely disrupt’ UK fuel supplies. 

Apache workers emphatically backed strike action in a pay dispute relating to a rejected offer which amounts to a real terms pay cut for many workers, ranging from a pay freeze to below inflation increases. 

The operator also set deadlines for reaching an agreement over back pay, and indicated payments may be withheld leaving workers potentially thousands of pounds out of pocket. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “We will not tolerate unacceptable pay offers and threats to withhold back pay from Apache. The operator is raking in eye-watering profits. It’s treating its highly-skilled workers with contempt. Apache has been caught red handed in embarking on shameful corporate greed.”

Strike action - which could begin this month- includes seven Apache assets associated with the Forties and Beryl oil fields. The union is warning that industrial disruption could lead to the critical Charlie platform being brought to a standstill.  

The scenario could result in a lack of pressure that can lead to the entire Forties Pipeline System going down. The system operated by Ineos handles approximately 29 per cent of the UK's oil and 30 per cent of its gas. 

The scale of the disruption would impact other major North sea operators including Neo Next +, Harbour Energy, Serica Energy, CNOOC, Adura, and BP.  

The Apache workers involved in the dispute include electrical, instrument, mechanical and production technicians alongside telecoms technicians and radio operators.   

Apache North Sea Production Limited is part of the APA Corporation with the parent company recently recording $1.7 billion net cash provided by operating activities in the second quarter of 2026 - equivalent to £1.25 billion. APA also generated a net profit after tax of £1.3 billion from revenue of £6.6 billion in 2025. 

Unite industrial officer Stevie Davies, said: “Unite’s members are being left with no option but to take strike action. Any disruption to Apache’s platforms would have a direct hit on the Forties Pipeline and potentially severely affecting the UK’s fuel supplies."

“The behaviour of Apache is reckless and it could have far reaching consequences for workers, operators and consumers.”  

Notes to Editors:
For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922. Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members.