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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2024 :: RMTnews 11 RMT members onboard the RFA vessel Tidesurge taking strike action in Loch Striven in Scotland. RFA MEMBERS TAKE FURTHER ACTION Seafarers win improved offer after backing strike action in re-ballot R MT has welcomed Caledonian MacBrayne’s highest ever intake of seagoing Modern Apprentices with 20 young people taking up 12 Deck and eight Engine Apprenticeships. RMT Union Learning was heavily involved in all aspects of the recruitment and training of these young workers through union representation on the companies Seagoing Apprentice Steering Group. Union learning rep Dan Henderson and Calmac RMT rep Brian Reynolds meet them at City of Glasgow Riverside Campus on their first day to take part in sessions on Health and Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, Cyber Security and Financial Literacy all delivered by specialist providers using the Scottish Union Learning Fund. Dan said that there was a workshop for apprentices on the important role trade unions play in CalMac and as a result all 20 of this year’s intake are now RMT members. “We will support them through their apprentice journey and forward through their careers at sea,” he said. RFA picket line at Cammell Lairds CALMAC APPRENTICES JOIN UP After Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers took further two days of strike action and voted massively for more strike action in the long running dispute, a new improved pay offer has been forthcoming. RFA members renewed the union's legal mandate for industrial action with 98 per cent of votes supporting a continuation of industrial action and the anti-trade union thresholds, which are soon to be ditched by the government, were met. Discussions between RMT and the Ministry of Defence have been constructive and an improved offer of 6.5 per cent plus £1,000 consolidated into base pay is now out to consultation with members. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that RFA seafarers provided vital support for naval operations and other essential services around the world. "They deserve a decent pay rise to reflect the critical work they do. "Our fight for fair pay continues and we hope that this will lead to a reasonable and negotiated settlement,” he said.