Rig workers want extra money for inconvenience at their convenience

An underwater construction diver who works on repair and maintenance on oil rigs has defended the hike in pay being demanded by unions.

The Australian Workers Union says workers who share ablution blocks should get an extra $90 a day for the alleged inconvenience.

The oil and gas industry says new legislation is forcing it to pay up to $2000 a day for tradesmen like welders.

Tanya, who doesn't want her last name used, has defended the high wages costs, saying working on rigs disrupts family life.

"The actual income that we may earn over a year, an average of $80,000 to $150,000, of course it varies on qualifications going up or down on there, but our life is on hold working around these contracts," she says.

"We plan our holidays and our free times making sure we're always available for those contracts as well."