More than 400 offshore workers employed by Bilfinger UK Limited have overwhelmingly backed an improved pension offer following the threat of industrial action, Unite has confirmed.

The revised deal was put forward after workers balloted for 48-hour strike action, prompting the company to return to negotiations.

Planned action was subsequently suspended while members voted on the new proposal.

Under the accepted offer, Bilfinger will increase its employer pension contributions from 3 per cent to 5 per cent of gross earnings, with no thresholds applied to payments.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, commented on the deal: “By being prepared to take strike action, our offshore members brought Bilfinger back to the table to make a fair pension offer.

"This deal will see millions of pounds each year being put into workers’ pockets.

“This is an important win which shows that Unite continues to deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for offshore workers.”

Unite industrial officer, Paula Buchan, added: “The excellent pension deal delivered by Unite was only achieved because of the strength and unity shown across the workforce.

"This dispute proves that through collective action and sticking together, workers can achieve real improvements at work."

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