UNITE the Union has confirmed that Kaefer contractors at Mossmorran are being balloted on strike action. 

Around 140 Kaefer maintenance and repair contractors are set to take part in the ballot, with Unite saying the contractor has made no formal cost of living offer for 2023.

The union claims it has been left with "no option" but to launch the ballot, and is blaming the operator Shell for the stand-off. 

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Kaefer has left our members at the Mossmorran plant with no option but to vote for strikes.

"Shamefully, the operator Shell, who ultimately funds any deal, is sitting idly by while it is overflowing with billions of profits. 

"Unite will back our Kaefer members all the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

The Kaefer contractors include scaffold inspectors and supervisors, riggers and rigging supervisors, forklift drivers, general assistants and mechanical supervisors.

Bob MacGregor, Unite industrial officer, added: “Without these workers, the Mossmorran plant can’t operate safely. Kaefer and Shell are treating our members with contempt and Unite will not let this situation go unchallenged.

“Unite’s members are rightly angry that they work in a plant owned by Shell who are raking in billions while Kaefer makes no offer at all to address the cost of living pressures our members face.

"Our members are fully prepared to take Kaefer and Shell head-on to get the cost of living payment that they deserve and which reflects their hard work.”  

The ballot is now open and will run until November 13.