Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers are set to strike on Thursday over an ongoing pay dispute.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union confirmed its members will maintain vessel safety, including moorings and gangways, during their 24-hour walkout.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have shown patience and professionalism throughout this dispute, but they are being left with no other option than to take further strike action.
“Despite repeated efforts by our union to secure a fair deal, the employer has failed to return with any improved offer.
“The frustration amongst our members due to the inaction of the employer is high, and will only fuel their determination to carry on their industrial campaign.
“RFA seafarers play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy, often in demanding and dangerous conditions – and they should be rewarded properly.
“The Ministry of Defence and the employer must now come forward with a serious proposal on pay and conditions, including ensuring full compliance with national minimum wage legislation.”
Last year, seafarers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary voted to accept an improved pay offer, which ended a long-running dispute.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at the time said the deal included “significant uplifts” in salaries, including backpay which, it added, goes some way to address the “suppression” of pay over many years.
Shorter assignments and better work-life balance arrangements were also included, said the union, which held a number of strikes in 2024 over the row.
