STRIKE !!! 1/11/2006 21:26
20 AÑOS SIN NEGOCIACIONES EN UK..
A STRIKE vote by deep sea divers is set to cripple North Sea oil and gas platforms.
Yesterday, 99 per cent of divers backed a walk-out from November 1 unless they get a 50 per cent pay rise.
Union members rejected a deal for 15 per cent over three years by 640 votes to two.
The RMT union warned only a dramatically improved offer would avert strike action by divers and support staff.
They claimed divers' pay had slipped to 20 per cent below the national average wage.
General secretary Bob Crow said: "The turnout and the vote show exactly how angry our members are. The offer fails to dent the chronic pay slippage they have had to endure for more than 20 years."
Steve Harris, of the UK Offshore Operators Association, condemned the planned walk-out.
He said: "Anything that compromises the competitiveness of the UK in what is a globally competitive market place is deeply regretted.
"Divers only work seven months a year because it is seasonal work.
"Their careers are short due to health risks."