Around 300 Royal Navy tugboat and marine services crew members are set to strike in March following what they describe as a failure to be consulted over proposed changes to their services. The industrial action comes amid concerns that crucial safety standards could be compromised due to planned cuts and reduced staffing levels.
The crews, employed by Serco Marine, are responsible for the safe movement of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, and other naval vessels in and out of ports, ensuring 24/7 operations all year round. These workers are vital to maintaining the UK’s naval readiness, and the union, Unite, says the changes would severely impact the service’s efficiency and safety.
Unions and the Ministry of Defence Negotiations
Serco Marine, which employs the Royal Navy tugboat crews, is currently in talks with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) regarding the renewal of its 10-year £1.2 billion contract. However, these discussions have not been smooth. The MoD has reportedly signalled its intention to reduce the contract by £250 million, putting nearly 100 jobs at risk, including many veteran workers who have decades of service experience.
Many of the affected staff have worked for the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service, which was privatised in 2008, and have a deep understanding of the technical and operational needs of the fleet. Unite says these workers were previously involved in consultations for past contract negotiations, offering invaluable insight into the operational requirements at sea. However, in this round of talks, the union claims that their input has been neglected.
Tugboat Cuts and Nuclear Safety Concerns
One of the key issues is a proposed reduction in the number of tugboats used to move nuclear submarines, which could be cut from six to four. The union has expressed alarm over this, pointing out that such a reduction would not only compromise the efficiency of the service but could also breach nuclear safety regulations.
Unite’s workplace representatives were forced to point out to Serco Marine that these cuts would contravene safety legislation concerning the movement of nuclear vessels. The union believes the decision is driven purely by cost-saving measures rather than the operational realities of the service, which could jeopardise the safety of the UK’s nuclear fleet.
Impact on Jobs and Operations
The proposed changes come at a time when the crews are already facing significant pressure, with the possibility of further job cuts looming. Serco Marine, despite its involvement in critical operations for the Royal Navy, seems poised to make significant reductions in staffing levels to meet cost-cutting targets set by the MoD.
The strike action, planned for March, represents growing frustration among workers who feel that their safety concerns and professional experience are being disregarded in favour of budget cuts. Unite has emphasised that these workers’ expertise in handling military vessels, especially nuclear submarines, is irreplaceable and crucial to ensuring the security and operational capability of the Royal Navy.
Union’s Call for Fair Treatment
Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham, has made it clear that the union will not accept any cuts that threaten the safety of workers or the Navy’s operational capabilities. She stated, “Our members are being treated unfairly, and they are standing up for their safety, their jobs, and the security of the country.”
As the strike date approaches, the MoD and Serco Marine will need to address the workers’ concerns if they hope to avoid further industrial action that could impact critical naval operations.
