News about Apache

More than 160 Apache offshore workers plan a 24-hour strike from 6am on Wednesday 21 October, affecting seven Apache assets linked to the Forties and Beryl fields, with a second walkout set for 4 November if the pay dispute is unresolved. Unite warns that disruption at Apache's Charlie platform could reduce pressure enough to affect the Forties Pipeline System, operated by Ineos, which the union says accounts for around 29% of UK oil and 30% of UK gas throughput. Workers rejected a pay offer that Unite says ranges from a freeze to below-inflation rises, and talks with ACAS are due before the strike, though progress has been limited. The dispute comes as UK pump prices rise further, with petrol around 175p a litre and diesel about £2, and Brent crude touched almost $110 (£81) a barrel last week.