Members of Nautilus International working for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary stepped up their dispute with employers on Sunday 22 September with a rally outside the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
The protest was part of the ongoing dispute between RFA officers and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which oversees the service. Nautilus members are demanding the government end years of stagnating wages, and cuts to vital services leaving many feeling overworked, underpaid and undervalued.
Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson called on the government to stand by its support for workers’ rights and fair treatment. 'Our members working for the RFA are not asking for special treatment, just a fair wage for the vital work they do. These are the women and men who provide essential support to our armed forces, keeping the UK secure on the global stage.
'Our members have suffered pay cuts year on year while their responsibilities have grown. Enough is enough. It's time for the government to take the concerns of maritime professionals seriously,' he said.
'The RFA provides crucial logistical support to the Royal Navy, delivering supplies, fuel, and ammunition to naval forces deployed across the world. Their contributions to national security and the country's global interests should be matched by fair pay and benefits.'
Growing pressure
The protest at the Labour Party Conference underscores the mounting pressure on the government to address the concerns of RFA crew.
The rally in Liverpool, on the second day of the conference, signals a renewed call for tangible action rather than empty promises.
Despite repeated warnings from the union about the consequences of strike action on the Navy’s capabilities, the government have yet to put forward a new and improved offer on the disputed pay period.
This is the third strike action since 15 August, when RFA officers staged the first ever walkout in the 120-year history of the service.
The action follow real terms pay cut of over 30% since 2010 with a 4.5% pay offer imposed in November 2023, despite Nautilus members rejecting the offer.
Industrial action also took place in Birkenhead and Portland over the weekend.
Nautilus International members were joined by members of the RMT Union who are also in dispute with the employer.
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