Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff set to strike over ongoing pay dispute

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) sailors will go on strike on Thursday over an ongoing pay dispute.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has confirmed its members will protect ship safety, including moorings and piers, during their 24-hour strike.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Force have shown patience and professionalism throughout this dispute, but they are left with no option but to take further offensive action.

“Despite our union’s repeated efforts to secure a fair deal, the employer has failed to come back with a better offer.

“Frustration among our members with employer inaction is very high and will only strengthen their determination to continue their industrial campaign.

“RFA sailors play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy in often difficult and dangerous conditions and should be appropriately rewarded.

“The Ministry of Defense and the employer now need to submit a serious proposal on pay and conditions, including ensuring full compliance with national minimum wage legislation.”

Last year, sailors in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Corps voted to accept an improved pay offer, ending a long-running dispute.

At the time, the Railways, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said the deal included “significant increases” in wages and added that the back payments helped address the “suppression” of wages for many years.

The union, which has staged several consecutive strikes in 2024, said this included shorter postings and better work-life balance arrangements.