RMT WELCOMES OFFSHORE SKILLS PASSPORT

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march/april 2025 :: RMTnews 7 RMT welcomed the launch of the new skills passport and wider policies aimed at creating jobs in the clean energy sector. The union also welcomed the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) report on decarbonisation, calling for clear guarantees on jobs, pay, and conditions for workers in offshore energy and transport. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that while decarbonisation was essential, workers cannot be left behind especially in offshore oil and gas. "There must also be a greater emphasis on investment to encourage a transition towards public transport, rail freight, and coastal shipping. “Workers need a guarantee that in the new de-carbonised economy the UK maintains an industrial base that can build that economy supporting jobs and incomes, instead of abandoning working-class communities to the international market,” he said. The incoming general secretary also welcomed joining the Steering Group tasked with developing and expanding the skills passport for offshore workers, including seafarers in the energy supply chain. "It is positive that offshore workers now have some guidance on pathways into the offshore wind sector. However, our members have concerns over pay disparities and the duplication of qualifications, particularly in the drilling sector. “RMT will work with the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments on the next steps for a just transition and the union will be pursuing collectively bargained terms and conditions across the entire offshore sector. as a top priority,” he said. A spokesperson for the Offshore Co-ordinating Group (OCG) of trade unions welcomed the introduction of digital offshore skills passport after a lengthy process with employers and training bodies. When fully developed, it has the potential to make it easier for workers to move between sectors, but on its own the skills passport is not going to achieve a Just Transition for offshore oil and gas workers. Urgent action is needed to protect offshore workers and supply chain jobs currently at risk from decommissioning "There needs to be a clear plan to safeguard incomes, trade union rights, and safety standards. "By engaging with UK and Scottish governments, our aim is to maximise the benefits of the GB Energy Bill’s planning and public ownership powers to support workers facing increasing pressures from multinationals and contractors during the energy transition. “Too often, transitions like this are used as an excuse to slash and export jobs, cut pay, and replace skilled, unionised workers with casualised labour on worse conditions. “We will not accept a race to the bottom in the name of climate action,” he said. Over 2,000 redundancies have hit offshore oil and gas in the past year, with the livelihoods of 1,800 catering jobs under the North Sea Confederation of Offshore Trade Association (COTA) agreement at particular risk. Seafarers, divers, and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) technicians must be protected through funded skills passporting and stronger employment rights. Only around 12 per cent of UK seafarer jobs are held by UK-resident workers, a result of P&O-style employment practices and widespread Flags of Convenience. In offshore wind, low pay and exploitative shift patterns are common, with the minimum wage not applying beyond 12 miles from the shoreline. RMT is demanding an enforceable transition plan that guarantees secure jobs, fair wages, and full collective bargaining rights across transport and energy sectors. RMT WELCOMES OFFSHORE SKILLS PASSPORT Union calls for clear guarantees on jobs, pay, and conditions for offshore workers