Rally to the rig workers!

Submitted by Janine on 26 September, 1991 - 1:34 Author: Tom Rigby

"Trade unionism in the offshore industry is facing a crisis." That's how Ronnie MacDonald, Chair of the rank and file based Offshore Industry Liaison Committee (OILC) described the situation prior to a major meeting in London this Thursday (September 26) to discuss presenting a common trade union front to the employers.

The OILC povided the organisational backbone for the unofficial strikes and rig occupations during the summer of 1989 and 1990. Oilworkers were demanding full union recongition and decent health and safety provision. Something that the employers have still not conceded.

Over the last few weeks, rank and file anger against the behaviour of the national officials from the main unions on the rigs has reached boiling point.

Workers resent a deal signed above their heards by the leaders of the AEU, GMB and EEPTU. According to Ronnie MacDonald, this deal has received a "universally adverse reaction" from the rank and file.

In order to overcome the sectionalism that has traditionally weakened the unions in the North Sea, the OILC has for a long time been arguing for a united 'single table' approach to bargaining.

Tragically, they have been frustrated in this aim by the AEU and the EEPTU national leaderships who are increasingly taking an aggressive and hostile attitude to the OILC. Nevertheless, the OILC is not going away.

As Ronnie put it: "Our policy is for the existing unions to take up the issues in a unified way. But, if they don't we are not going to walk away and leave a vacuum in the industry. It's either/or. It's as simple as that."

Trade unionists must rally to the OILC and back those who have put their livelihoods on the line for trade unionism in the North Sea.

"Certain prominent national officials are working overtime to villify the OILC. I would ask other workers and trade unionists to reject these allegations and keep up the support they have give us", argued Ronnie.

Send messages of support, donations, etc, to OILC, 52 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB1 2NB. The Crisis In Offshore Trade Unionism and Striking Out! New directions for offshore workers and their union (price £5) both available from the above address.

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