"Deep frustration" from Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors amid "lack of firm commitments" could lead to strikes
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Discontented sailors could go back on strike amid “deep frustration” over pay and state of the force.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel assigned to the The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and Nautilus International unions are being balloted for industrial action. This follows concerns regarding pay and working conditions.
A spokesperson for the RMT union said: “We are balloting our members on possible industrial action while continuing talks with the employer to reach a negotiated settlement, but there is deep frustration at the slow progress and the lack of firm commitments to improve terms and conditions to reflect the work seafarers do for the RFA.”
Nautilus International union members were balloted regarding the 2025/2026 deal in November - asked whether they were prepared to take part in strike action, or industrial action short of a strike. The organisation said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has failed to present an offer which meets the aspirations of personnel. The ballot is due to close on February 18, 2026.
What is going on with the RFA?
Disgruntled RFA personnel of all ranks formed picket lines and took to the streets in Portsmouth on multiple occasions last year. Sailors were left at their wits end due to pay and working conditions.
Staffing levels were a constant concern, with Nautilus International director of organising, Martyn Gray, telling The News that personnel were “harassed” into returning to work early due to a lack of numbers. RFA sailors often deploy to conflict zones to provide munitions support for the Royal Navy.
RFA Tidespring and RFA Tideforce played a vital role in the UK Carrier Strike Group deployment on Operation Highmast, replenishing HMS Prince of Wales and other warships with fuel and supplies. Poor pay which fell by 36 per cent in real terms at the time, a lack of opportunities, and several ships being in a poor state, were also factors behind the strikes.
Personnel celebrated a historic pay offer in January 2025, with the government pledging extensive reforms throughout the RFA. Minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard MP, said this commitment would restore faith in the force during a tour of RFA Proteus in Portsmouth.
Despite this commitment, various problems still remain. Reports are circulating that the RFA has reneged on the settlement made for the 2024 pay deal. Personnel numbers are continuing to fall steadily due to opportunities elsewhere.
Although many of the Tide-class ships were available, other vessels struggled. Navy Lookout reports that RFA Lyme Bay is laid up in Gibraltar with a skeleton crew. They added that RFA Mounts Bay won’t be put to see until the new financial year, despite being fully refit and having a fill crew, due to Treasury commitments. Beleaguered RFA Argus is still stuck at HMNB Portsmouth and has been for six months after her safety certification was removed.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a highly valued organisation made up of specialist personnel who play a critical role in supporting Defence operations around the world. They continue to operate globally in line with Defence requirements and priorities.
“Pay negotiations are ongoing, and we remain committed to working constructively with the Maritime Trade Unions to reach a resolution that reflects the vital contribution of RFA personnel. Until these negotiations are concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”