COTA offshore caterers to get 2% pay rise

Offshore caterers are to get a pay rise of nearly 2% and new bonuses after months of strikes as trade unions Unite and RMT accept a pay offer from the Caterers Offshore Trade Association (COTA).

COTA represents six companies with over 2,500 employees collectively.

The pay increase will be backdated to 1 September, 2017, remedying a long-standing dispute over last year’s pay. Along with the pay increase workers will get an increase to their meal allowance bonus.

Unite officer Vic Fraser who negotiated for both organisations said in a statement: “We were running a bit late because of the dispute from the previous year. The result was as much to get back on track to get into negotiations for next year.

“It’s very important for both sides to get these negotiations commenced as early as possible and if the offer is right to get them closed out. The negotiations have been conducted professionally by both sides. It resulted in a relatively quick offer on the table.”

Catering Today has contacted COTA for comment, but is yet to receive a formal response.