It is pretty obvious that this bunch of arses are getting everyones backs up with the tricks they are using. But what goes around comes around and they will get their commuppance (yeah I know thats spelt wrong) I am sure.
As Scott suggested, a few lost vehicles, broken subsea structures and the resulting lost of contracts, their image (already very jaded) will soon look unacceptable to all but the crappiest of clients.
I did a job for them, way back before the real dirty tricks started and the stunts they tried to pull then – like they cocked up my flights then refused to pay a hotel bill etc – I have flatly refused to work for them again ever since – and will continue to do so.
But what can we do? At the moment they control the field. I have never been a union type bloke but maybe joining the RMT in sufficient numbers to actually make our vote count may be the way ahead – it did the divers no harm – and who have had to take wage cuts – divers or ROV?
If the OZ and Norwegian unions support the RMT (as I am hopeful they would) then Sclub7’s pocket may be hurt in those countries and may just force a rethink of strategy. But what is certain, if we remain fragmented and arguing about race colour creed etc it is us that look like the dickheads and the main point of the argument is being detracted from. Divide and Conquer I believe the Romans used to say (but they probably spelt it different).
I personally do not believe this is a racist (or sexist) issue it is one of survival for our trade, vocation or whatever you want to call it.
There is no doubt, that as ROV techs, we have a range of skills probably unmatched anywhere in any other job and we should be rewarded for it – (perhaps the unions should look at trade demarcation and force bigger crews!!). The conditions we have to endure, often changeable and unforeseen would not be accepted in many industries in a modern society. Maybe changing to more mainstream O and G work is the answer – although I do not really relish that idea, we certainly would not have to deal with the crap we get currently – although I suspect that other bullshit would soon take its place.
If you analyse your skills you will be amazed at what other areas you are highly skilled in and in many cases can earn more than you are currently.
I am not suggesting that we all abandon the industry we love but – where are all the new guys getting there skills from? Yep you guessed it – people like us are using our hard earned skills to give it to them. So logically if we evacuated on mass to other more lucrative trades – then presumably an increase in lost vehicles and damage would occur, the realisation that Sclub7 are in fat crap and supplying poorly skilled personnel (if indeed that is what they are) and our value would return. However we are now in better paid jobs and would need an immense amount of money to entice us back.
I am not suggesting that this is a cure all but it may be worth considering. It has got to be better than slagging each other, Brazilians, Malaysians, Nigerians and Angolans – they, afterall, are only doing what we did years ago and trying to improve our lifestyle and position.
I suppose we could do what the Thai redshirts did last week to the government buildings in Bangkok – go and spray infected pigs blood all over Sclub7’s HQ!!
As for rasicm and sexism – I believe that every white man should have at leats one dark lady – I married an Indian they are great (as in brilliant not as in large although what ever takes your fancy).
All for One and One for All
.
