ORGANISING AT RFA

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: sep/oct 2025 :: RMTnews 20 R MT members will have witnessed a steady increase in activity around the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the civilian fleet that provides vital logistical and operational support to the armed forces. This was highlighted more than ever in the recent dispute with members standing solid during industrial action in the UK and overseas. RMT national secretary Darren Procter points out that the union had recognised that it was important to improve in various areas and adapt to change. “Things can always be improved, or new methods introduced to make us better organised, ballot ready and effective in producing quality arguments for improvement to terms and conditions of employment in negotiations. “As a union we have increased our presence on vessels, attended apprenticeship training centres, held virtual meetings for all RFA members to attend and put in place an organising committee with representatives from every department, with varying layers of experience to fully capture the views of membership. “We have engaged with members via surveys about how we can become better organised and listened to feedback about how we can encourage more individuals to become actively involved with the union at RFA,” he said. Whilst RFA management and government departments sat up and took notice of RMT members taking industrial action due to the clear frustration of members. The union believes that the RFA had brough the conflict on themselves over several years as RMT had been identifying the improvements being made within the commercial sector, but no action was taken. “However, if RMT increased its membership within the RFA then the voice of those who working within it will develop into an organised workforce that is willing to campaign for the improvements it so deserves can win. “In simple terms if we are negotiating with an employer and have 10 per cent membership density, we are limited in what we can do. However, when our membership density is 80 per cent plus that is a much bigger threat to the employer. “To ensure that we are a threat to the employer we must be organised. “It is a testament to your convenor Ian Parkin who has put a clear focus on our direction of travel at RFA through improved organising and engagement. “Our focus as a union is to be better organised than ever before, but what does better organised look like, why do we need to better organised, and how can we become better organised? “Being better organised would mean that we have reps on every ship from various departments working together, as opposed to leaving it down to one individual because they were onboard first. “We must ensure that we are having monthly shipboard meetings discussing key issues, identifying what is important to members onboard that vessel and cross ORGANISING AT RFA APPRENTICES: RMT RFA convenor Ian Parkin and national secretary Darren Procter paid a visit to HMS Sultan to meet with RFA Engine Room Rating apprentices and identify the role of the union in addressing their concerns. CREW: Ian and Darren paid a visit to RFA Tidesurge and updated members who are currently working onboard and members from RFA Proteus, Sterling Castle, RFA Tiderace and RFA Fort Victoria who are in refit. RMT RFA convenor Ian Parkin visits RFA Argus