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Strike divers vote to end dispute Strike divers vote to end dispute
(about 4 hours later)
Hundreds of North Sea divers have overwhelmingly voted to accept a pay deal to end their strike action.Hundreds of North Sea divers have overwhelmingly voted to accept a pay deal to end their strike action.
About 900 divers and support workers had been on indefinite strike since last week, seeking a 50% pay rise.About 900 divers and support workers had been on indefinite strike since last week, seeking a 50% pay rise.
A deal, worth about 44% over two years, was offered in a bid to break the deadlock.A deal, worth about 44% over two years, was offered in a bid to break the deadlock.
Stan Herschel from the RMT union told BBC Scotland that Friday's ballot result was 703 for and 127 against. The employers welcomed the result.Stan Herschel from the RMT union told BBC Scotland that Friday's ballot result was 703 for and 127 against. The employers welcomed the result.
Mr Herschel said: "It's a massive vote in favour of acceptance.Mr Herschel said: "It's a massive vote in favour of acceptance.
"The first ballot may have been tainted by members' anger and frustration.""The first ballot may have been tainted by members' anger and frustration."
'Vital industry''Vital industry'
The Committee of Employer Signatories to the Offshore Diving Industry Agreement said in a statement: "We are delighted to have received news of the yes vote.The Committee of Employer Signatories to the Offshore Diving Industry Agreement said in a statement: "We are delighted to have received news of the yes vote.
"Effectively it means that in two years divers and support teams will be earning 44.7% more than they are today."Effectively it means that in two years divers and support teams will be earning 44.7% more than they are today.
"We look forward to welcoming the divers and support teams back to work and together serving an industry vital to the UK and global economy.""We look forward to welcoming the divers and support teams back to work and together serving an industry vital to the UK and global economy."
The Professional Contractors Group, which promotes the interests of freelancers and contractors, said it hoped the settlement would make the profession an attractive one for a new generation of divers.
Offshore oil companies had said it was vital the dispute was brought to an end.Offshore oil companies had said it was vital the dispute was brought to an end.
Divers previously voted against a new three-year deal offering a 20% increase immediately, plus more from April.Divers previously voted against a new three-year deal offering a 20% increase immediately, plus more from April.
Most of the workers involved were members of the RMT union.Most of the workers involved were members of the RMT union.
There had been concern that any strike action would bring chaos to parts of the UK oil and gas sector.There had been concern that any strike action would bring chaos to parts of the UK oil and gas sector.
The RMT said divers carry out probably the most dangerous job in the North Sea, working on wells and pipelines at depths of several hundred feet.The RMT said divers carry out probably the most dangerous job in the North Sea, working on wells and pipelines at depths of several hundred feet.