'No other option': Angry Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors to strike again after MoD 'failed' to issue new deal
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Bitter rows over pay and conditions have been boiling over for years
Seafarers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) will go on strike on Thursday (April 16) in a continuing pay dispute.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will ensure the safety of vessels is maintained during the 24-hour walkout, including the management of moorings and gangways. Civilian sailors previously conducted industrial action on April 7, with even personnel deployed on RFA Lyme Bay pictured holding placards.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have shown patience and professionalism throughout this dispute, but they are being left with no other option than to take further strike action. Despite repeated efforts by our union to secure a fair deal, the employer has failed to return with any improved offer.
“The frustration amongst our members due to the inaction of the employer is high, and will only fuel their determination to carry on their industrial campaign. RFA seafarers play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy, often in demanding and dangerous conditions – and they should be rewarded properly.
“The Ministry of Defence and the employer must now come forward with a serious proposal on pay and conditions, including ensuring full compliance with national minimum wage legislation.”
No picket lines will be organised in Portsmouth - home to two demonstrations in 2024 - but will be held in Portland, Birkenhead and Falmouth. One of the points of contention is pay, with the RMT stating that there’s no clear or transparent formulas setting out how pay is calculated against hours. RFA seafarers regularly work up to 12 hours a day.
They play a vital role in support of the Royal Navy. Their job is to extend the reach of warships and keep them at sea for longer by providing them with fuel, equipment, supplies, mechanical engineering expertise and other tools.
A 4.5 per cent pay increase was offered in January this year, which was rejected after being described as “wholly inadequate and failing to address years of below-inflation offers, minimum wage concerns and a growing retention crisis across the service”. RMT union members were joined by the Nautilus International union at previous demonstrations. Issues raised at those strikes include staff shortages and people being “harassed” into returning to work early from holidays to plug gaps in deployments.