politics
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Seafarers to Strike on Thursday Over Pay Dispute
Seafarers with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary plan a 24-hour strike on Thursday due to an unresolved pay dispute. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union confirmed that members will maintain vessel safety measures during the action. The union stated that the employer has not provided an improved pay offer despite repeated negotiations.
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Seafarers employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are scheduled to conduct a 24-hour strike on Thursday amid an ongoing pay dispute. The action involves members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union. The union confirmed that safety protocols, such as securing moorings and gangways, will be upheld during the walkout to ensure vessel safety.
The RMT general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, addressed the situation in a statement. He noted that RFA seafarers have demonstrated patience during the dispute but now face no alternative to strike action. Dempsey highlighted repeated union efforts to negotiate a fair pay deal, which have not resulted in an improved offer from the employer.
" — Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary The statement from Dempsey emphasized the frustration among members due to the employer's inaction. He indicated that this frustration is likely to strengthen their resolve in the industrial campaign. RFA seafarers provide essential support to the Royal Navy, often under demanding and hazardous conditions, according to the union.
Dempsey called on the Ministry of Defence and the employer to present a serious proposal addressing pay and conditions. This proposal should include compliance with national minimum wage legislation. The dispute follows a previous resolution last year, when seafarers accepted an improved pay offer that ended a prolonged conflict.
the Dispute In 2024, the RMT union organized several strikes related to the pay issue.
The accepted deal from last year included salary increases and backpay payments. The union described these as addressing long-term pay suppression. Additional elements of the prior agreement involved shorter assignment durations and improved work-life balance provisions.
These measures were intended to benefit the seafarers' overall conditions. The current strike represents a resumption of industrial action after the earlier settlement.
