After months of uncertainty and unrest, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) sailors have voted to end a long-standing pay dispute, following a much-improved salary offer that recognises the decline in pay over recent years. The outcome marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore the RFA’s strength, but the big question remains – is it enough to halt the haemorrhaging of personnel and entice new sailors to join?
For years, RFA personnel have been deserting the fleet, with many lured away by more attractive pay and working conditions in commercial shipping. The situation became so dire that sailors were leaving faster than they could be replaced. Now, with the new pay deal, there’s hope that the crisis may be on the mend, and the RFA can begin to stabilise its workforce.
A Pay Rise that Reflects the Hard Work
The RMT Union, representing RFA workers, proudly claims a victory for its members, securing a 6.5% pay rise across the board, alongside two lump sum payments of £750 each that will be added to sailors’ base pay in November 2024 and February 2025. The deal also introduces a shorthand allowance, offering 3% of the salary for sailors working from July 2024 to October 2025.
Sailors are also getting a more generous deal when it comes to their time off. From February 2025, they will be allowed to “cash in” up to 50% of their Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) during the financial year. Plus, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has agreed to shorten assignment lengths from the current 16 weeks to a more manageable 10-12 weeks – a welcome change that will be phased in over the next year.
These changes mean a better work-life balance for RFA personnel, as they will spend less time away from home, making the job more appealing when compared to the commercial sector.
A Glimmer of Hope for the RFA’s Future?
Although the improvements are seen as a positive step, they still may not be enough to reverse the RFA’s decline. The current offer, while welcomed by the crew, still falls short for some who believe a pay increase of up to 15% is necessary to make the RFA fully competitive with the private sector. The fleet’s appeal lies in its stable employment, pension scheme, and the opportunity for a varied career – but recruitment remains a struggle, with a global shortage of seafarers and young people less inclined to take up a career at sea.
Nevertheless, the MoD has committed to further negotiations, including a full review of assignment lengths and pay by October 2025. The goal is to ensure that the RFA can recover its workforce numbers and continue to serve as the largest employer of British seafarers, despite the challenges ahead.
The Road to Recovery?
The improved pay deal may be enough to prevent current sailors from leaving early, but attracting fresh recruits will still be a monumental task. The RFA’s future rests on how quickly it can implement these changes and restore confidence among its crew – a process that will take time, but may finally give the fleet a much-needed boost.
