Seafarers serving within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have begun strike motion after overwhelmingly rejecting the most recent pay supply from their employer, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The maritime union RMT confirmed that its members walked out as we speak, Tuesday 7 April, with an additional day of motion deliberate for Thursday 16 April. The union stated it had made sustained efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement, however that RFA administration had continued to place ahead proposals that fell wanting members’ expectations.
The RFA gives important logistical and operational help to the Royal Navy. During the strike, the union stated members would proceed to make sure the security of vessels always, together with managing moorings and gangways.
A key grievance centres on pay transparency. The union highlighted that seafarers can routinely work as much as 12 hours a day, but there stays no clear method setting out how their pay is calculated towards these hours.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated, as quoted within the union’s assertion: “Our members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are taking a principled stand today and I congratulate them.”
He added: “They will not accept substandard pay offers and are prepared to take further strike action if necessary to get the pay rise they deserve.”
Dempsey additionally pointed to the character of the work, stating: “Our members play a vital role in supporting the Navy, often in some of the most demanding and dangerous working conditions.”
He referred to as on the Ministry of Defence and the employer 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.”
The MoD has not but publicly responded to the strike motion.
