Crew change delays due to helicopter availability The recent reduction to the offshore helicopter fleet by the grounding

of some EC225s has resulted in many catering members having to extend their normal working rota on the unit. Unite the union has successfully ensured that all COTA employers will be paying these delays at premium rates as per the current COTA agreement. The only exception to this would be if an employee is on an enhanced rota which allows claw back days to be used offshore due to crew change delays. Please remember that the only time a crew change delay is paid at standard rate is if it is a weather delay, all other delays are paid at premium rate. If any UNITE catering member has not received the correct premium rate payment please contact our Aberdeen office 01224 645271 as a matter of urgency for advice. Unite have also written in more detail to each individual catering branch member. COTA wage offer 2012/14 ballot result The result of the recent ballot which concluded on 30th November 2012 was as follows: Accepting offer for 2012/14: (75%), Rejecting offer for 2012/14: (23%) and Spoiled Ballots (2%) The pay offer for 2012/14 (two year deal) has now been formally ACCEPTED and COTA have been notified accordingly. Thanks to all those who took the time to cast their vote. Once the new COTA agreement has been signed off we will be issuing every Unite catering branch member with a copy. COTA branch meetings The dates of the next Offshore Branch / Shop Stewards meetings to be held at Unite Office, 42-44 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5TJ all commencing 10am are: Friday 11th January, Friday 25th January Friday 1st February A summary of these Branch meetings will be distributed to all Shop Stewards, and copies will also be placed on the news page of the COTA Branch website. All members of the Offshore Branch are welcome to attend branch meetings. Unite the union EU Health and safety update As part of our unions continued campaign to improve offshore safety a UNITE delegation met with INDUSTRIAll (European Trade Union) in Brussels on 3rd December. John Taylor, Unite Regional Industrial Officer, and chair of the INDUSTRIAll inter union working group was nominated to make a presentation to the EU Offshore Oil & Gas Authorities Group (EUOAG) which is a working group consisting of different national regulators including the UK HSE and representatives of the European commission on the 4th December. John demanded that the offshore workforce must be fully involved in any new legislation. John also pointed out that all the European unions were of one voice insisting that there be a standardised training regime for all European offshore safety reps and that the legislation covering the rights and elections for safety reps should be standard across all of Europe and that the safety reps be properly protected when it comes to raising safety concerns. Finally UNITE would like take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy and safe New Year.

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