OSLO (Reuters) - The largest labour union representing workers on Norwegian offshore oil drilling rigs has agreed to a new wage deal, it said on Friday, averting the risk of a strike that could have hit exploration efforts later this year.
Industri Energi, which represents more than 4,000 drilling workers, said in a statement the deal would give members a "solid increase" in pay.
It was not immediately clear however if two smaller unions, Safe and DSO, had also agreed a deal with employers.
Companies drilling on behalf of oil firms in Norwegian waters include Transocean (N:RIG), Fred. Olsen Energy (OL:FOE), Odfjell Drilling (OL:ODLL), Rowan Companies (N:RDC), Maersk Drilling (CO:MAERSKb) and Seadrill (OL:SDRL).
Oil companies, including Equinor (OL:EQNR), Eni (MI:ENI), Aker BP (OL:AKERBP) and Lundin Petroleum (ST:LUPE) rent rigs to search for hydrocarbon reserves off Norway.