Memory can be deceptive, often highlighting the good times while obscuring the bad. My memory is no exception, yet I vividly recall the tough moments: the rainy days when you opened the curtains, the distressing calls home, and the messages from seemingly tough guys who were struggling just as much, if not more, than you. The constantly changing rules made it a difficult period that none of us wish to relive.

To be clear, this situation should have been resolved from the beginning, but we received no assistance from any of the unions. Our local club also failed to take any action. We had to practically force the unions into helping us by threatening to quit, a step we should have taken from the outset. For those who might accuse me otherwise, I have all the emails and meeting minutes, and I’m more than willing to share them

After numerous discussions with the leadership at Safe, I am confident that if we had been affiliated with Safe at the time, the outcome would have been better. We would certainly have been compensated for all the tests we had to undergo. Safe’s leadership also had the decency to acknowledge that they could have done more, which means a lot to me.

The oil industry is small and continually shrinking. It’s an international business that requires cooperation from people around the world; no single country can manage it alone. As someone who is proud to work in Norway—a country that has set a high standard with its oil fund and unions—it was extremely disappointing to see the lack of support we received. Not only did the unions fall short, but the operators and drilling companies also failed to step up.

Ultimately, the Government bears the primary responsibility. In their own report from the Corona Commission, they stated, “These measures were hastily conceived and subject to continual adjustment.” Ideally, we should be taking the Government to court, but due to the legal system, we have no choice but to pursue action against the companies involved.

The much-anticipated appeal is set for September, with the outcome expected about a month later. This decision will impact all other cases currently on hold. On a positive note, the court has allocated four days for this case, instead of the usual two. While a small thing, it indicates that the court is taking the matter seriously.

By Graeme Mitchell

Safe In Noble Club Leader