ORGANISING AT RFA

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: jan/feb 2026 :: RMTnews 13 As one of the largest employers of seafarers in the UK, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary has always been a priority focus for the union within the maritime sector. However, it was recognised through dialogue and shipboard visits that the union needed to improve how we organise and engage with members at RFA. Surveys of members and internal dialogue provided evidence and support for an RFA specific branch that would allow the union to become better organised, encourage members to attend meetings that is solely focused on engagement of members within RFA, placing a greater emphasis on the priorities set out by the membership and evolving as a workforce. During the dispute we identified that some branches with RFA members were not meeting and when they did attendance was often low and it is a fundamental requirement that we have effective organisation in times of dispute and particularly at RFA with the complexities of the RFA’s operations. I am pleased to report that the branch has now met twice and, on both occasions, has had attendance figures well into the 30s, but more importantly members volunteering to take up positions within the branch and participating in constructive discussions during the meetings.  Members have also contacted the branch officials after the meetings and provided positive feedback in relation to the direction of travel of your union at RFA.  At the last meeting I provided an update in relation to the scrutiny of RFA terms and conditions, policies and procedures and how we have identified leverage surrounding formulation of wages and/or application of leave.  This update revealed the benefits of having a standalone branch. The content and discussion were RFA specific and members know that they are going to a branch meeting to talk about their concerns, terms and conditions and other priorities. Members have demonstrated that they are more willing to attend and engage and your branch officials have set out dates for monthly meetings, which will be held virtually in the first instance and adapted as the branch see necessary. During our last pay dispute with the RFA, the union achieved an agreed settlement accepted by the workforce but, whilst it was seen as a victory, RMT must continually analyse how to improve, maximise engagement, utilise modern technology to effectively communicate with members and broaden the number of members we have actively involved in trade union activities whilst ensuring that we’re ballot ready at the RFA.  We should not rely upon a strategy being effective because it had been successful in the past. The union must strive to continually improve, listen to input from members and learn from improvements or initiatives in other areas of the union or within other trade unions too. Whilst there was a very small minority who didn’t want to see these changes, there is no doubt about the success to date but this must continue. RMT must build and develop arguments on issues such as 1 for 1 leave ratios, allowances, internet connectivity, shipboard welfare and accommodation standards.  We must build and develop industrial representatives, health and safety representatives, equality representatives and ensure that the RFA branch is represented across RMT conferences and forums. This is the opportunity for every RFA member to build and mould your branch to be effective and pro-active, campaigning on issues. The time to organise and build is now! ORGANISING AT RFA RMT national secretary Darren Procter reports on the new unified branch at Royal Fleet Auxiliary TIDESURGE MEETING: RMT Southwest and South Wales Shipping branch recently held a meeting onboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Tidesurge whilst in Cammel Laird shipyard with other members attending via zoom. 40-year union membership awards were handed out to former branch secretary Andy Clare, Paul Brown and Simon Jordan by current secretary Darren James. 10-year awards were also sent to John Lansdown and Scott Curtis as well as 25-year awards to Gareth Jenkins, Christian Jones, Nigel Swinden, Neil Jefferson, Terence Botrill, Richard Yorke and Brian Oatley.