Norwegian offshore workers’ union Industri Energi has discovered social dumping on the Ocean Rig-owned rig Leiv Eiriksson, which is working for Lundin offshore Norway.
According to the European Foundation (Eurofound), despite an increase in usage of the expression, there is still no clear, universally accepted definition of ‘social dumping,’ but the term itself has a negative connotations, hinting at the exploitation of workers.
Union secretary Harald Hereid said on Friday the union takes this very seriously and it plans to pursue the matter.
Hereid stated the union has documentation that the rig owner, Ocean Rig, is using overseas labor for the semi-sub rig Leiv Eiriksson and that the workers are in “underpaid” conditions compared to the type of job they perform.
The union has sent an inquiry to Ocean Rig asking to come on board the rig for inspection but received no response.
According to the union, the companies in the oil industry are constantly trying to find creative ways to avoid paying tariff determined wages.
Hereid added that social dumping is completely unacceptable and in breach of the Norwegian law as it undermines workers’ wages and working conditions while serious companies are being wiped out.
The semi-sub rig is currently located in the Barents Sea offshore Norway where it is drilling for Lundin. The oil company recently got a drilling permit for an appraisal well in production license 533.
Offshore Energy Today Staff