Seafarers serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have begun strike action after overwhelmingly rejecting the latest pay offer from their employer, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The maritime union RMT confirmed that its members walked out today, Tuesday 7 April, with a further day of action planned for Thursday 16 April. The union said it had made sustained efforts to reach a negotiated settlement, but that RFA management had continued to put forward proposals that fell short of members’ expectations.
The RFA provides essential logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy. During the strike, the union said members would continue to ensure the safety of vessels at all times, including managing moorings and gangways.
A key grievance centres on pay transparency. The union highlighted that seafarers can routinely work up to 12 hours a day, yet there remains no clear formula setting out how their pay is calculated against those hours.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said, as quoted in the union’s statement: “Our members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are taking a principled stand today and I congratulate them.”
He added: “They will not accept substandard pay offers and are prepared to take further strike action if necessary to get the pay rise they deserve.”
Dempsey also pointed to the nature of the work, stating: “Our members play a vital role in supporting the Navy, often in some of the most demanding and dangerous working conditions.”
He called on the Ministry of Defence and the employer to “come forward with a serious, long-term commitment to improving pay and conditions, including ensuring they comply with National Minimum Wage legislation, if they are serious about retaining staff.”
The MoD has not yet publicly responded to the strike action.
