Royal Fleet Auxiliary Officers to Begin Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute

Officers at the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are initiating planned industrial action on Saturday, June 1, following a dispute on compensation. The action, coordinated by the Nautilus International union, comes as a response to a real terms pay cut of over 30% since 2010.

The union, which represents the officers, is calling for a consolidated pay raise in line with inflation and a clear pathway to pay restoration. The forthcoming industrial action, described as “action short of a strike”, will involve hundreds of Nautilus members working on RFA vessels. These officers will restrict their responsibilities to duties directly related to their job title, but will continue to observe all safety guidelines and policies to ensure the safety of individuals, vessels, and the environment.

The RFA, a fleet staffed by civilian personnel and owned by the UK Ministry of Defence, is crucial in providing logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and other UK armed forces.

Despite ongoing negotiations, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. The mandate for action will remain in effect until October, while both sides strive to find a resolution. The union has made clear that the possibility of a full strike remains on the table, should its demands for a pathway to pay restoration not be met.

This action precedes the UK general election, scheduled for July 4. Martyn Gray, Nautilus International director of organising, said the decision to initiate industrial action highlights the strong sentiments of RFA members who feel overworked, underpaid, and undervalued.

“It is incumbent on all political parties to use this election period to affirm their support for our national defence and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary by committing to a pay rise reflective of the rate of inflation and restoring the pay our members have lost over the last decade.”

Gray concluded by saying, “Nautilus will seek to work with whoever forms the next government to find a solution, but our mandate for action remains active until October. If a solution is not forthcoming in the early stages of a new government, further action will be taken.”

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