Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2023 – Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Our Ref: SH/0001/RFA

30^th August 2024

 

Dear Colleagues 

 

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2023 – Royal Fleet Auxiliary

 

Tuesday 3^rd September 2024 (Merchant Navy Day) marks the fifth day of withdrawal of your labour. If your ship is in port then members are instructed not to ‘turn to’ (book on) for any duty that commences between 08:00 hours on Tuesday 3^rd September 2024 and 07:59 hours on Wednesday 4^th September 2024.

 

 

On Tuesday 3^rd September 2024 there will be picket lines and demonstrations at the following locations:

 

PORTLAND: Meet at grassed land near the roundabout and Ship Inn in-between Lerret Road and Portland Beach Road DT5 1AL between 08:00 hours and 15:30 hours. RMT National Secretary, Darren Procter, and On-Board Representatives from the Tides and Stirling Castle will be present.

BIRKENHEAD: Cammell Laird Ship Repair Birkenhead: Campbelltown Road CH41 9BP, between 08:00 hours and 12:00 hours and then between 13:00 hours and 15:30 hours, a picket line will be at ships gangways held by a maximum of two members on a rota basis, the demonstration will be at the Old Drinking Fountain opposite Cammell Laird. RFA Convenor, Ian Parkin, and Representatives from Lairds Vessels will be present. 

PORTSMOUTH: Whale Island Way/Wharf Road on the grassed land near Lok n Store warehouse & Voi Elec Scooter Park up, Portsmouth PO2 8EW, between 07:30 hours and 16:15 hours, RMT Assistant National Secretary, Mark Carden, and National Executive Committee member Ollie Longdon will be present.

WORLDWIDE LOCATIONS: RFA Vessels that are safely in a port or on a buoy, please follow local picketing laws and guidance, as some countries do-not tolerate picketing. Therefore, please withdraw your labour during the above times.

  

All members on who are leave or live locally are strongly encouraged to join these picket lines and demonstrations. Please encourage friends and families to attend one of these demonstrations. Additionally, the RMT will be encouraging as many RMT members from the Railways, Buses and other Shipping companies to attend one of these demonstrations to show maximum solidarity with our striking members at the RFA. 

 

I for one appreciate everyone’s efforts and would be thankful for making this day go as smoothly as possible with minimum disruption to the members but a maximum effect on the organisation. The RFA has taken advantage of you and your colleagues’ good nature and work ethic for many years now, without giving RMT members full reward or recognition.

 

Please be aware that you remain on ships articles and the RFA Drug and Alcohol policy is still in force during the strike action. Remember when you are on strike you should refrain from cooking and cleaning; there should be no HEO, no watches etc. during the period of the strike action. No members should travel on the on the strike date either to join a ship or for any non-mandatory STCW courses. Members should travel on the day prior or after the strike action has concluded.

 

The location of RFA Fleet on 3^rd September 2024: 

 

 

The union remains ready for meaningful negotiations with on the issues in dispute and we urge the RFA and the MoD to make improved proposals at the earliest opportunity.

 

A decision has also been made regarding financial help and hardship payments due to taking strike action. Members who are facing significant hardship during the industrial action should contact their Branch and/or Regional Council, who will have more information on this matter. 

 

HARD WORK DESERVES FAIR PAY

SUPPORT THE STRIKE ACTION

UNITY IS STRENGTH

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary