Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) employed by the RMT union are set to strike tomorrow, Friday, August 16, 2024, following a walkout by officers from Nautilus UK, who took industrial action for the first time in their history today, Thursday, August 15.
The strike is going ahead after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) demanded both unions halt their actions without offering further proposals, instead providing only vague commitments to resolve the ongoing pay dispute.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch criticised the MoD’s approach, urging them to resolve the issue after Nautilus UK members joined the strike for the first time.
“It is disappointing that after initially positive talks that the MoD has retreated into a bunker mentality and refused to settle this long-running dispute over low pay,” Lynch stated.
He highlighted the RFA’s own claims of their personnel’s importance, pointing out that their website states the RFA is “fully integrated into operations around the world and provides vital support on everything from high-tempo combat and counter-piracy campaigns, to disaster relief and emergency evacuations.”
Lynch argued that if the RFA believes its operatives are “highly trained and working to the same standards as other military personnel,” then their pay should reflect this.
“RMT remains ready to enter into meaningful talks as ever,” he added.
The dispute has seen growing tensions between the unions and the MoD, with both sides remaining at an impasse over the issue of pay.
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Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk
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