The maritime union RMT has expressed strong support for what it termed an overwhelming vote for strike action among Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers. The union raised concerns regarding management’s failure to demonstrate compliance with minimum wage laws. On February 17, RMT announced that its members working for the RFA overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay offer, with a staggering nine to one margin.
RMT highlighted that seafarers often work up to 12 hours a day but lack a clear, transparent method for calculating their pay based on these hours. General Secretary Eddie Dempsey criticized the situation, stating that management has been unable to accurately determine its own pay rates, which has left RFA seafarers in a precarious financial position.
Dempsey pointed out that years of stagnant wages have resulted in RFA seafarers being worse off, with doubts about whether all members are receiving at least the minimum wage for their work. He emphasized that the lack of a transparent pay calculation system, coupled with excessive working hours, has led to an unsustainable environment.
The ongoing dispute, according to Dempsey, contributes to a “deepening crisis” within the RFA. He urged both the RFA and the Ministry of Defence to engage in discussions with the union, stressing that the pride of RFA members as seafarers should be respected and addressed.
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