MoD: "Overworked" and "underpaid" Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers vote to strike despite Royal Navy tasks

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Officers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have voted to strike amid a bitter row over pay and conditions.

Members of Nautilus International backed industrial action by 4-1 on a turnout of 60 per cent. RFA personnel play a vital role in many of the Royal Navy’s operations - from replenishment at sea exercises to tasks with the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ballot follows rejection of a 4.5 per cent pay offer for 2023 which the union said fell “far below” the rate of inflation. Director of organising, Martyn Gray, said: “The result of this ballot is a clear indication of the strength of frustration amongst our members at the RFA who feel overworked, underpaid, and undervalued.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers are voting for industrial action across the UK. Picture is RFA Tidesurge (left), carrying out a replenishment at sea with another RFA vessel, RFA Argus. Picture: Crown Copyright/PA Wire Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers are voting for industrial action across the UK. Picture is RFA Tidesurge (left), carrying out a replenishment at sea with another RFA vessel, RFA Argus. Picture: Crown Copyright/PA Wire
Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers are voting for industrial action across the UK. Picture is RFA Tidesurge (left), carrying out a replenishment at sea with another RFA vessel, RFA Argus. Picture: Crown Copyright/PA Wire

“The RFA are vital to the UK’s naval capabilities, in a time of significant geo-political instability, we do not wish to see disruption to the RFA’s operations.” RFA tanker Tidespring and amphibious landing ship RFA Mounts Bay were both deployed as part of the UK CSG during Exercise Steadfast Defender - Nato’s largest operation since The Cold War.

Lead by HMS Prince of Wales, the ships carried out various operations to show their capability in making formations, as well as how they’re involved in attacking and defensive scenarios. Nautilus said: “Since 2010, RFA employees have faced real terms pay cut of over 30 per cent, beyond other blue light services, leading to significant challenges in recruitment and retention and low morale across the workforce.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Gray added: “We hope this ballot result will focus minds and we look forward to engaging further with the RFA and the Ministry of Defence as a matter of urgency to forge a path forward that reflects the deeply held concerns of our members and avoids industrial action.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice