The Norwegian union representing offshore oil and gas workers, Industri Energi, opposes to the decision by Aker BP to introduce a Covid-19 vaccine mandate for its offshore employees from 1 February.
Ingard Haugeberg, the leader of the Industri Energi, states that the oil company has started an “express process” of introducing vaccine requirements for all offshore employees.
We agree that we must protect our employees and our suppliers in the best possible way, but it also requires that we are involved in how it should happen and how our employees and suppliers are taken care of in this process
He specifically emphasizes that there has been no involvement of either the union or the security service in advance.
The company has not had discussions or involved us in any way regarding how this should happen
Deputy head of Industri Energi, Lill-Heidi Bakkerud, also reacted strongly to how Aker BP has proceeded in this case.
“Aker BP has decided to introduce intrusive measures towards its employees, without involving either the club and the security service. It is unsustainable,” said Bakkerud.
She also pointed out that a thorough risk assessment is needed, with employee participation, and that there are a number of questions that need to be clarified.
For this reason, she encourages the company to “spend a little more time and run an orderly process going forward with proper participation from the employees’ representatives.”
