RFA seafarers accept improved pay offer, ending long-running dispute

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said the deal includes “significant uplifts” in salaries, including backpay which, it added, goes some way to address the “suppression” of pay over many years.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have voted to accept an improved pay offer, ending a long-running dispute.

The union said the deal includes “significant uplifts” in salaries, shorter assignments and better work-life balance arrangements.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a fantastic result for our RFA members, who stood strong, united and taken several bouts of strike action during this dispute.

“They secured real-terms pay increases, important improvements to their working lives, and I thank them for their efforts.

“This agreement lays the groundwork for securing their future and vital role assisting the Royal Navy.

“RMT will keep fighting to ensure the contributions of RFA workers are properly recognised going forward.”

Nautilus International also announced that its members in the RFA have voted to accept a pay offer, which the union described as an “improved, above-inflation” award.

Nautilus represents officer grades, who also took industrial action in a long-running dispute.

Director of organising Martyn Gray said: “This agreement demonstrates the power of collective action, with over 100 days of industrial action short of a strike and five days of strike action.

“The outcome is the result of continued mandates for action as well as sustained negotiations to achieve meaningful progress for the dedicated professionals serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.”

Nautilus said negotiations for the 2025/26 pay agreement will begin in the coming weeks.