The Nautilus union members voted on strike action after receiving a 4.5% pay offer, which was significantly below the previous year’s inflation rate.
Supporting civilian mariners of the Royal Navy have voted for strike action in response to a substantial pay cut, a development that could have repercussions for British national security.
According to a union representing hundreds of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) officers, 79% of its members voted to go on strike if negotiations for a better pay deal fail.
Implementing such a course of action would directly affect British military operations worldwide.
“The RFA is essential for the Royal Navy’s operations and for advancing British interests abroad,” said Martyn Grey, organizing director for the Nautilus International Union.
RFA Lyme Bay, an RFA vessel, recently transported medical provisions and aid in hundreds of pallets to Egypt for subsequent transfer to Gaza.
Mr. Grey stated that if, in the worst-case scenario, officers determine they have no option but to go on strike, “security could be jeopardized.”
He stated that the union was “seeking urgent talks with the RFA and the Ministry of Defence (MoD)” to reach a new pay agreement significantly higher than the 4.5% rise proposed last year.
Mr. Grey stated that this is a turning point for them [RFA officers], as they have decided to engage in industrial action for the first time.
The RFA comprises officers and ratings who are mariners and are not enlisted in the armed forces but work as civil servants.
Nevertheless, in addition to crewing large support vessels participating in worldwide operations with the Royal Navy, they execute missions independently.Members of the Nautilus union voted on strike action after receiving a 4.5% pay offer, significantly below the previous year’s inflation rate.
According to the union, RFA employees have experienced a real-terms pay reduction of over 30% since 2010.
According to a statement, this has resulted in “significant difficulties in recruitment and retention, as well as low morale throughout the workforce.”
In addition to those who supported strike action, 85 percent of members supported non-strike alternatives. The attendance rate was sixty percent.
Additionally, serving members of the armed forces have expressed profound discontent with their pay settlements; however, they are prohibited from engaging in a strike.
Consistent with this ethos, the RFA’s willingness to engage in industrial action is a particularly consequential decision.
Mr. Grey stated in a message to the MoD and the RFA: Regrettably, this group of professionals has concluded that voting for strike action is their only viable option… This should serve as a stark warning sign that immediate action is required.
A spokesperson for the Royal Navy stated, “The Royal Navy continues to consult with Maritime Trade Unions that represent Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel in regards to the proposed pay offer.”
“At this time, it would be unsuitable for the Royal Navy to speculate on the potential consequences of those discussions or engage in strike operations.” Notwithstanding such negotiations, RFA operations proceed uninterrupted, supporting the Royal Navy and our international allies.
