Laying a wreath on behalf of ATUC, at the Piper Alpha memorial, in the Memorial Gardens in Hazelhead Park, President, Tommy Campbell said, "Our thoughts are with the families, work colleagues and friends of the 167 workers who were tragically killed on 6th July 1988."
He added, however, that as we remember all those who died we must never forget that this
offshore accident could have been avoided as it was caused by inadequate
maintenance and safety procedures by the operator Occidental.
Tommy warned that the oil and gas industry is
still driven by cost reductions, with cutting corners and jobs being
lost to save money to further increase the massive profits of the
offshore oil and gas Operators.
"When
oil and gas Operators prioritise fiscal matters above the health and
safety of offshore workers, the devastatingly fatal Piper Alpha
disaster serves as a haunting reminder as to the consequences of these
decisions with devastatingly catastrophic consequences for the offshore
workforce, their families and their communities.
"On this the 37th anniversary of the biggest industrial loss of life seen in the North Sea the scars and trauma remain deep seated which is why we continue to stand together in remembrance and solidarity."
ATUC supports all the offshore based Trade Unions and their Health and Safety Representatives as they continue the fight to make sure that the offshore oil and gas industry is both healthier and safer to ensure that all offshore workers can return home safely to their families and friends.
