
26 June 2024
RMT Press Office:
RMT members working for the Royal Fleet Auxillary (RFA) welcomed support yesterday from over 450 workers at Cammell Laird dockyard who refused to cross picket lines in Birkenhead.
Following the latest day of strike action, carried out on the International Day of the Seafarer on Tuesday, management have requested a meeting with union representatives next week.
Over 500 RMT seafarers at the RFA organised picket lines in Birkenhead, Plymouth and Singapore after the employer had previously rejected all efforts by union representatives to a find a settlement.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch welcomed the growing support in the campaign against low pay and congratulated RFA members for taking a stand for pay justice.
He said: “RFA members have reached their limit regarding pay and conditions and want to be rewarded for the vital work they do.
“We welcome the chance to meet employer representatives next week and will once again insist on an improved offer that meets our members expectations.”
RMT national secretary Darren Procter said RFA must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and address the current crewing crisis by showing respect for the role and sacrifices of Merchant Seafarers.
He said: “The decline in pay and uncompetitive terms and conditions for our seafarers who work away from home for four months plus at a time has created a recruitment and retention crisis which is placing additional workload on our members.
“Every effort has been made to reach a negotiated settlement with RFA representatives who have left our members with no alternative but to take strike action this week.”
END
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Tagged with: RMT, Mick Lynch, RFA, Pay, Strike
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