A UNION has withdrawn a strike warning over pay.

Unite has removed the threat around workers at Hertel UK, who provide maintenance at the ConocoPhillips refinery, in Seal Sands, near Middlesbrough.

A number of staff had previously voted to down tools after rejecting a pay freeze.

According to a ballot, 24 of 45 Hertel workers who responded elected to take action.

However, Steve Cason, Unite regional officer, said the tight margin meant any scope for striking would be difficult.

He told The Northern Echo: “We cannot take people up the hill if we cannot get them down the other side.

“We listened to our members, but won’t try and conjure up something that isn’t there.”

Unite, alongside fellow union GMB, had been pushing for improved wages over the next three years, linked to National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry rates, saying Hertel’s zero per cent offer wasn’t good enough.

However, Hertel long said the demands were unrealistic, citing the oil and gas sector’s woes, and warned the threat had put more than 50 positions at risk by forcing the cancellation of planned repairs.

David Massey, HR Director, said the firm was relieved Unite had changed its stance, reiterating hundreds of staff at Seal Sands have already accepted a pay freeze.

He added: “Common sense has prevailed.

“Our focus is now on working with ConocoPhillips to deliver the current and future work programmes and to protect jobs and create additional opportunities now the threat of disruption has been removed.”