'Frustrated' RFA officers to go on strike amid Middle East operations as they warn it could 'escalate further'
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Union members have been embroiled in a bitter row over pay and conditions
Angry Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) officers are going on strike amid growing operations in the Middle East.
Members of the Nautilus International union are staging industrial action in a bitter row with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over pay and conditions. They previously agreed to take action short of a strike -which included strict working to rule measures and staff only following what’s in their contract - but have now pushed on with further disruption.
This comes as RFA Lyme Bay, bristling with autonomous mine-hunting kit, sails to the Gulf ahead of a possible operation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. General secretary Sascha Meijer said: “Our members working for the RFA have shown real discipline and professionalism in holding back on escalation to support vital UK defence operations, including during heightened activity in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
“That patience has been met with continued delay by the employer. Members are now taking action, and this latest escalation reflects their frustrations. Dialogue will continue but members are prepared to escalate further if that dialogue doesn’t deliver.”
Officers will take part in a 24-hour strike from 8am on June 9 to 7.59am on June 10. Action short of a strike will carry on alongside this. Nautilus said all safety obligations will be fulfilled and be of paramount importance during the industrial action.
RFA seafarers provide a vital role in support of the Royal Navy on various operations. The civilian sailors are tasked with extending the reach of warships and keeping them at sea for longer, with other duties such as providing humanitarian disaster support and conducting security patrols monitoring Russian vessels. Many of them are preparing for possible action in the Middle East alongside Royal Navy personnel.
The dispute over pay and conditions has been long-running and doesn’t show any immediate signs of being resolved. Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have staged several walkouts, which included sailors aboard RFA Lyme Bay. A 4.5 per cent pay offer was rejected by both unions earlier this year after it as described as being “wholly inadequate”.
Nautilus International union members have staged strikes in Portsmouth in the past. In 2024, two demonstrations were held and members spoke of various problems including real-terms pay cuts, staff shortages, seafarers filling in roles above their rank, and workers being “harassed into returning to work early” while on annual leave.
Nautilus International director of organising Martyn Gray said: “RFA officers are standing together and acting because enough is enough. This action is about fairness, respect, and securing the pay and working conditions they deserve.”
When asked about the industrial action, a Royal Navy spokesperson previously said: “Officers of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are highly valued specialists who play a critical role in supporting Defence operations around the world. We remain committed to working constructively with the Maritime Trade Unions to reach a resolution that reflects the vital contribution of RFA personnel but will not provide further comment until these negotiations conclude.”