17 May 2024
RMT Press Office:
RMT Seafarers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) will take strike action on Sunday despite efforts by the union to find a settlement.
RFA have imposed a one-year deal of 4.5% which does not reflect the value and sacrifices of staff in the fleet.
RMT members work as civilian merchant seafarers onboard the fleet of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessels which provide the Royal Navy with vital logistic and operational support including humanitarian operations around the globe.
Over 500 RFA seafarers will be taking part in the Sunday strike.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "I want to congratulate our members in RFA who will be taking a stand on Sunday.
"RFA members have reached their tolerance limit towards poor pay and conditions for UK seafarers despite the vital work that they perform.
"Management has remained inflexible throughout the negotiations and has failed to present an improved offer that meets our members' expectations.
"RFA must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and avoid a crewing crisis by showing respect for the role and sacrifices of merchant seafarers, who play a crucial part in long deployments away from home on operations worldwide.
"We have made efforts to reach a negotiated settlement with management, but now we have no choice but take strike action."
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