"Detrimental" Royal Fleet Auxiliary maternity policy causing "serious concern" for force amid possible strikes

Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin raised the issue in parliament today. She called for more flexibility to allow sailors to take consecutive roles on shore so they can look after new-borns and not be separated from them while at sea.

Staff affiliated to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and Nautilus International unions are being balloted over possible strike action due to poor pay and working conditions.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Labour politician said: “In the last two years, changes have been made to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) maternity policy that prevent new parents from taking back to back shore assignments, crucial to balancing seafaring and young families.

“These changes are especially detrimental to families where both parents are in the RFA, and raise serious concerns with compliance to employment law. Given the retention crisis within the RFA, does she think the maternity policy provides adequate flexibility for families. Will she meet with me and those affected to discuss this important issue?”

Minister for veterans and people, Louise Sandher-Jones - a former Intelligence Officer who served in the Army between 2013 and 2020 - responded: “We are committed to supporting families across defence. We recognise the extraordinary service RFA sailors give to this country.

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“The maternity and parental support package does include enhanced leave entitlement and tailored assistance through mechanisms such as occupational health. While consecutive shore postings have never been a defence policy, the RFA does support employees to use flexibilities in that offer.”

The number of personnel in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is continuing to decline. Major reforms were announced at the beginning of this year to overhaul the force after a historic pay rise was announced, but slow progress and funding worries has led to personnel potentially taking industrial action again. Various personnel took to the streets in Portsmouth last year.

The RFA play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy, keeping warships adequately supplied in conflict zones to extend periods at sea. Responding to a previous parliamentary written question, Ms Sandher-Jones said fixed-period assignments are created based on defence need rather than personal circumstances.