Seafarers from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary took their fight for fair pay to the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The protest preceded planned strikes by RMT and Nautilus International members next week. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch emphasized the need for a resolution to the dispute, highlighting the decline in real-terms pay for RFA mariners compared to other essential workers.
Nautilus campaigns organiser Robert Murtagh criticized the government for allowing a 30% real-term pay cut for seafarers. He echoed the sentiment that the government has consistently undervalued and neglected essential workers for over a decade. Murtagh called for action from a government that claims to champion change, emphasizing that mere promises without tangible support are insufficient.
Both unions are demanding fair wages for RFA workers, who have been left behind compared to other public service workers. The unions are urging the government to prioritize the well-being and compensation of essential workers, emphasizing that delays and empty promises are unacceptable. The message is clear: it is time for the government to show real support and appreciation for the vital role that seafarers play in the nation’s infrastructure.
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