WORKERS at the oil and gas company Total are ready to go on strike next month in a dispute over pay and working hours.

If industrial action by members of Unite goes ahead, the union believes the Alwyn, Dunbar and Elgin platforms will be forced to cease production.

Unite regional officer Wullie Wallace said “overwhelming votes” in favour of strike action “demonstrate members’ anger” at Total’s proposals.

“Our members simply want to be properly paid for the work they undertake in a dangerous and difficult environment,” he said.

“Total’s plans to force workers to spend even longer offshore would drive a coach and horses through workers’ work-life balance and would result in them spending even less time with family, friends and loved ones. This raises serious health and wellbeing concerns.

“There is still time for industrial action to be avoided and Unite’s door remains open if Total is prepared to make a renewed offer and return to the negotiating table.”