RMT calls on Government to settle RFA dispute

Maritime union RMT today called on the Government to ensure a speedy resolution to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) pay dispute after it confirmed that additional resources from the navy supplies lifeline are to be deployed in the Gulf in light of the current tensions. 

An additional RFA vessel, Wave Knight, will be joining Cardigan Bay in supplying a growing fleet of Royal Navy vessels in the area according to an MOD statement and confirmed by Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood in media interviews this weekend.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;

"RMT members at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have been engaged in industrial action since early July over the imposition of a 1.5% pay cap which would reduce their standard of living. They have not been included in the groups of workers, including armed forces personell, exempted from the Government pay cap last week. It's time that they were.

"These brave men and women supply the Royal Navy in conflict and humanitarian hotspots around the globe as this weekends announcement has confirmed yet again. I am calling on the Government to lift the cap and give the RFA the green light and the resources to allow a fair pay settlement that recognises the professionalism and contribution of this group of staff."

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