Officers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary took strike action for the second day, on Tuesday 3 September.
The strike coincided with Merchant Navy Day, a day dedicated to honouring the sacrifice and service of merchant seafarers throughout history and the present day.
The historic first day of strike action took place on Thursday 15 August. This was the first ever strike by officers in the history of the RFA.
RFA officers have experienced an over 30% real term pay cut since 2010, with a 4.5% pay offer imposed in November 2023.
Members voted overwhelmingly to reject that offer and to take industrial action in the form of action short of strike and strike action.
Despite the strike impacting RFA and Royal Navy operations, no new offer has been made by the Ministry of Defence, though discussions are ongoing.
The 3 September 2024 strike coincided with ongoing strike action by the RMT, the union representing ratings at the RFA.
Nautilus maintained a presence during the second day of strike action at the following locations:
- Portsmouth, Whale Island.
- Birkenhead, Cammell Laird shipyard.
Nautilus director of organising Martyn Gray said: 'Merchant Navy Day is a day to recognise the importance of our nation's merchant seafarers, securing vital supply chains, particularly in moments of national crisis such as war or the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
'It is therefore deeply disappointing that our members have no other choice but to take a further day of strike action as they reiterate their message that they are overworked, underpaid and undervalued.
'The strength of feeling among our members is palpable, particularly in light of pay settlements across other areas of the public sector.
'Nautilus wishes to end this dispute as soon as possible, but that will only happen if the Ministry of Defence presents an offer that reflects the high rate of inflation for last year and appreciates the real term pay cut since 2010.
'We need a pathway to the future that deals with the longstanding challenges of recruitment, retention and overutilisation.
'We cannot rule out further action going forward.'
Tags