ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY ACTION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2015 :: RMTnews 25 R MT Southampton Shipping branch chair Mick Stubbs (right) spoke at a protest outside the headquarters of HQ of Macquarie Bank in Sydney, Australia over its involvement with Condor Ferries which is employing cheap foreign labour in Britain undercutting UK ratings in a process known as social dumping. Condor Ferries, which runs vessels between the UK, Channel Islands and France, is paying as little as £2.35 per hour to Ukrainian crews that it brought onboard to replace British crews – well below the UK minimum wage. Using the excuse that they are non-domiciled in the European Union, these seafarers are also made to work longer hours while receiving shorter leave. “It is a scandal that Macquarie Bank allows its operators to pay £2.35 per hour. “The whole city of Sydney is invited to take a look at what is going on and express its rejection of this discrimination,” Mick Stubbs said at the protest. Over 70 people joined the demonstration including Maritime Union of Australia members. Assistant branch secretary MUA Sydney Paul Garret said that he was pleased to support RMT members in their fight to stop employers undercutting UK seafarers. The International Transport Workers’ Federation also fully supports the campaign. L ong-running industrial action short of a strike taken by RMT members at the Royal Navy supply line the Royal Fleet Auxiliary has led to a comprehensive agreement covering a wide range of issues. The union has achieved a pay increase for apprentices from £11456 to £14648 in the first year and from £12557 up to £15138 in the second year and from September all meals for apprentices will be paid for at t training establishments. RMT has also ensured that LHAA members will be offered alternative employment within the RFA and appropriate training to enable them to achieve Officer status. Stores accountants ships office duties have been amended and the on-board LSO can now request assistance from SA members. RFA has agreed in principle to increase some personnel in some TSoC departments and a review of staff numbers in this area as well as of the current banding system. RMT national secretary Steve Todd said that the union had achieved two major milestones, securing the update of the JSP 767 (LSD(A) Handbook) with what the EMF need to provide upon embarkation. “After a series of protracted negotiations new agreed working routines for stewards and cooks have also been agreed which should see a reduction in work loads. “I would like congratulate you all on standing firm throughout this dispute. “Without members participating in the recent industrial action, the union would not have been able to force management back around the negotiating table. “It is a testament to the effectiveness of a strong and organised workforce that is prepared to stand up to management,” he said. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the issues in dispute were all about valuing a workforce that played an integral part of the defence of the UK and training that workforce for the future. “The union salutes our members’ solidarity and determination to get this dispute resolved,” he said. RFA SETTLEMENT NO SOCIAL DUMPING AT CONDOR MARCH AND DISTRICT BRANCH SUPPORT KATY MAZUR FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES REGION 10 EUSTON NO 1 BRANCH SUPPORT KATY MAZUR FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES REGION 10 KINGS CROSS BRANCH SUPPORT GEORGE WELCH FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES SOUTH EAST ESSEX BRANCH SUPPORT KATY MAZUR FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES REGION 10 SOUTH EAST ESSEX BRANCH SUPPORT DERRICK MARR FOR PRESIDENT ST. PANCRAS BRANCH SUPPORTS ALLAN JEYES FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES REGION 10 WATFORD BRANCH SUPPORTS WAYNE MOORE FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES REGION 10