FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION AT SUBSEA 7

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: march 2010 :: RMTnews 15 R MT shipping representatives met with Kevan Jones MP – Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans – who has responsibility for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Value for Money review at the Ministry of Defence. RMT national secretary Steve Todd told the minister that the union found it totally unacceptable that a further review was being carried so soon after Flexible Global Reach and with all the worry and concern that it would cause. Flexible Global Reach concluded in 2007 with the outcome that an evolved RFA was best suited to continue to provide support for the Royal Navy. At the time the union had been advised that the current arrangements for the RFA would remain in place until at least 2020. The union told the Minister that the RFA plays a vital role in supporting Royal Navy operations and over the years the RFA had consistently demonstrated the value in retaining a civilian crewed fleet to provide strategic support the armed forces. The union advised that the RFA had a long record of demonstrating an adaptability and flexibility to meet changing circumstances with the highest professionalism demonstrated by its seafarers. Steve Todd said that RMT saw no justification for spending all the time and money in conducting a further review of the role of Royal Fleet Auxiliary. He advised the Minister that their support for the armed forces should ensure that they are not considered for commercialization and that the RFA is an essential resource for an island nation. The Minister informed the union that he understood its concerns and was aware of the vital role played by RFA in supporting the Royal Navy. There were no preconceived outcomes, he heard RMT arguments and said that he would ensure that RMT had every chance to reflect these arguments in the working group discussions. Whilst the union has had a positive meeting with the Minister responsible it remains vigilant as to the threat of possible privatisation. “Members can be assured that the union will continue to make robust representations, and at no time will we stand by and see RMT members’ jobs placed in jeopardy through any proposals to outsource the service,” Steve Todd said. F ollowing general secretary Bob Crow’s meeting with the prime minister Gordon Brown on the training package, the union and other industry representatives have received a response. The prime minister has stated that due to current financial constraints he is not able to grant the additional SMART training funds as requested in the joint Industry document. Instead, he has asked officials in the Department for Transport, and Business, Innovation and Skills Department (BIS) to identify how existing seafarers training and qualifications could qualify for additional funding. This could include programme funding from BIS for the sectors Adult Skills qualifications, as well as apprenticeship funding by making the sector compliant with the National Apprenticeship Service guidance. These will be pursued with the Merchant Navy Training Board. It is disappointing that no further SMART funds could be authorized but the union will pursue all possible options. RMT is currently conducting a referendum to establish if RMT members working for Subsea 7 are prepared to take industrial action following the company’s continuing resistance to recognition for members who are not covered by the ODIA (Offshore Industry Diving Agreement). At a recent International Transport Federation Task Force Meeting at which national officer Steve Todd was representing RMT, discussions took place regarding international offshore problems. Steve took this opportunity to raise the issue of Subsea 7’s constant refusal to have all workers covered by the ODIA agreement. The meeting was also attended by several ITF affiliates who all have contracts with Subsea 7 in some form or other. Those affiliates included IE (formerly NOPEF) from Norway, MUA from Australia and MUNZ from New Zealand. In briefing these other affiliates and detailing to them the very serious nature of the problem we are encountering with Subsea 7, the initial reaction was one of shock and surprise from other affiliates and then one of support for our actions in pursuing our aims and aspirations. All of those affiliates mentioned, took part in the debate and were offering messages of solidarity and support for RMT members. Steve moved a successful motion at the meeting noting that the company was clearly in direct conflict with the ITF Offshore Policy. The meeting unanimously voted to support RMT in their campaign to ensure that SUBSEA 7 meets all the requirements to comply with ITF Policy upon signing any new ITF Special Agreements with the company. Representatives from IE Norway said that they would be contacting Subsea 7 in Norway and asking them to facilitate a meeting between IE, RMT, Subsea 7 Norway and Subsea 7 UK. The resolution is virtually asking affiliates to boycott the renewal or the signing of any agreements with Subsea 7 which in turn would allow Subsea 7 to gain what they call an ITF Blue Certificate. The Blue Certificate ensures that the operator is free from boycott action or hinderance from ITF affiliated unions internationally. They can only be given once the companies/operators have opted into an ITF-approved agreement with the appropriate ITF affiliates. “The resolution does not mention boycotts and for legal reasons we would not be allowed to following the recent turn of events in Europe which saw legal action being brought against the Finnish Union’s and the ITF in cases commonly known as the Laval and Ruffert judgements. “Although not mentioning boycott action, what is being asked for is tantamount to this and it received overwhelming support. “We are now waiting on IE Norway to set up a meeting and we will keep members advised of any progress,” said Steve. In the meantime, the referendum closes on March 22 and RMT will continue to press the company in pursuit of recognition. SHIPPING INDUSTRY TRAINING PACKAGE RMT CAMPAIGN AGAINST ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY PRIVATISATION FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION AT SUBSEA 7