Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers go ahead with strike action

Maritime union RMT has congratulated members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Seafarers are taking strike action after overwhelmingly rejecting the latest pay offer.

The union has tried hard to reach a settlement through negotiation. But despite this, RFA managers have continued to table proposals that fall short of members’ expectations.

The sticking point has been how seafarers’ shift patterns stack up against minimum wage legislation.

Strike action is taking place today, Tuesday 7 April, with a further day of action happening on Thursday 16 April.

During strike action, members will continue to ensure the safety of vessels at all times. This includes the management of moorings and gangways.

Seafarers can routinely work up to 12 hours a day. But there remains no clear or transparent formula setting out how pay is calculated against those hours.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said:

Our members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are taking a principled stand today and I congratulate them.

They have made their position clear. They will not accept substandard pay offers and are prepared to take further strike action if necessary to get the pay rise they deserve.

Our members play a vital role in supporting the Navy, often in some of the most demanding and dangerous working conditions.

But they have faced years of below par pay and unresolved concerns about conditions.

The MOD and the employer now need to come forward with a serious, long-term commitment to improving pay and conditions, including ensuring they comply with National Minimum Wage legislation, if they are serious about retaining staff.

Featured image via the Canary