NAUTILUS, the UK's influential trade union, has affirmed its decision to proceed with industrial action despite the country entering a general election period, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive
NAUTILUS, the UK's influential trade union, has affirmed its decision to proceed with industrial action despite the country entering a general election period, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive. Parliament officially dissolved just after midnight on Thursday, May 30, marking the beginning of a five-week countdown to the July 4 vote.
The union insists that the action is necessary due to a prolonged pay dispute.
The dispute arose last autumn when both Nautilus, representing RFA officers, and the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers), representing personnel in deck, engine, communications, and catering roles, rejected government offers on pay increases.
Nautilus contends that the government unilaterally imposed a 4.5 per cent pay rise this year.
They are demanding a consolidated pay increase to counteract high inflation rates and to restore previous pay levels.
Members claim their real wages have diminished over 30 per cent since 2010 due to inflation and minimal salary adjustments or freezes.
Additionally, they criticize the government for granting a five per cent pay raise to Royal Navy personnel this year while asserting that RFA ranks have diminished 28 per cent since 2015.
The RFA consists of civilian employees who operate supply and logistics vessels for the Royal Navy. Established in 1905, the fleet comprises 13 ships, including tankers and supply vessels, with 1,750 civil servants, as per the RMT.
These employees typically serve four-month tours at sea.
Both unions conducted strike votes late in 2023, marking the first potential strike action in the RFA's 119-year history.
Nautilus reported a strong turnout and overwhelming support for action among RFA officers.
Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak advancing the election date to July 4, Nautilus confirmed in mid-May that their members would commence 'action short of a strike' on June 1.
This involves limiting duties strictly to their job titles and refraining from undertaking higher or lower-level tasks.
As of today, Nautilus maintains that the action will proceed as scheduled, unaffected by the election timeline.
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