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Offshore workers union the GMB has today begun balloting its members on industrial action.

The union said that the ballot for those working under the Offshore Contractors Association national agreement comes at the end of a lengthy set of pay negotiations which had seen two employer offers rejected by its members.

Negotiation between the union and the OCA have been continuing since January.

The ballot which opened today will continue until Monday 5 November.

GMB is seeking a four per cent raise in basic pay and linked allowances.

Union members will be balloted on whether they wish to support strike action and action short of strike action.

If there is a vote in favour, the union said that North Sea industrial action would take place in November.

Ross Murdoch, GMB national officer, said: “It is unfortunate matters have come to this.

"However our members have more than played their part in ensuring OCA employers achieve very healthy profits – they fully deserve what is effectively a cost of living increase.

“The door is still open for OCA employers to return to the bargaining table with an improved offer to avert what could potentially be costly disruption in terms of both cost and reputation."

OCA said it was "working towards a viable settlement".