Nautilus International, the union representing officers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, has confirmed that members will be carrying out a day of strike action tomorrow Thursday 15th August 2024.
Nautilus members will maintain a presence near Cammell Laird shipyard, Birkenhead; Whale Island, Portsmouth; and Portland, Dorset.
The strike follows a period of member action short of strike since 1st June 2024.
In April, members voted overwhelmingly for action short of strike and strike action, expressing their deep frustration and anger at an imposed 4.5% pay offer for 2023/24.
The pay offer falls far below the rate of inflation for the same time period and is compounded by the over 30% real term pay cut members have faced since 2010 and a recruitment and retention crisis in the service.
This is the first time in the history of the RFA that officers will carry out strike action.
Nautilus director of organising Martyn Gray said: “Our members are fed up. For too long, the RFA, the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence have relied on the good will of our members to carry out essential operations.
“The pay offer for 2023/24 and the real term pay cut of over 30% since 2010 has made this good will no longer tenable.
“The key message from our members is simple, they are overworked, underpaid and undervalued.
“The only way to solve this dispute is with a pay offer that recognises the high rate of inflation and begins a pathway to pay restoration.
“This strike will make history, but not in a good way for an already crippled RFA.
“Nautilus is committed to finding a resolution as quickly as possible, but we will not allow our members to be taken for granted any longer.”
For more information, contact Robert Murtagh at Nautilus International on rmurtagh@nautilusint.org or +447729614854
