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 <RIG.N>, Fred. Olsen Energy <FOE.OL>, Odfjell Drilling <ODLL.OL>, Rowan Companies <RDC.N>, Maersk Drilling <MAERSKb.CO> and Seadrill <SDRL.OL>.
Oil companies, including Equinor <EQNR.OL>, Eni <ENI.MI>, Aker BP <AKERBP.OL> and Lundin Petroleum <LUPE.ST> rent rigs to search for hydrocarbon reserves off Norway.
(Reporting by Oslo newsroom)
