UNIONS in Scotland joined forces today to tackle a “belligerent” fire-and-rehire strategy from an offshore contractor. 

Bilfinger has been accused of using this strategy to impose pay cuts on workers in Scotland, with unions warning that a continuation would result in significant industrial relations issues. 

Representatives from Unite, RMT and GMB north of the border claim that workers have all registered individual grievances to challenge the company in response. 

Following a collective meeting with all those affected, the three unions are now moving to a consultative ballot of members for industrial action.

Unite regional officer Shauna Wright said: “The take it or leave it approach in no way, shape or form can be considered as meaningful consultation. 

“Given the actions of the company in the last week it now appears that Bilfinger has gone down the shameful fire-and-rehire route resulting in the whole workforce lodging grievances.”

The ballot will open tomorrow and closes on June 10.

But unions say that the internal grievance process will continue in the meantime as they remain committed to trying to find a resolution to the situation and are available for talks.

GMB regional organiser Dom Pritchard said the threat of industrial action is not a move workers in this sector take lightly and indicates the level of dissatisfaction with Bilfinger. 

He said: “We have a very angry and disillusioned group of workers here and the approach by the company which has been largely belligerent, and at times has bordered on bullying in some cases, has only served to fuel that anger.”

A Bilfinger spokesman said that workers have been offered packages and a consultation process is ongoing, saying: “We have been committed to supporting these employees and engaging with the unions throughout the process and will continue to do so.”