DEFEND SHIPPING JOBS AND END EXPLOITATION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2026 :: RMTnews 7 RMT’s biennial maritime industrial organising conference pledged to build on recent successes and innovate new ways to recruit members in the sector. Meeting in Portsmouth, RMT national secretary Darren Procter told delegates how the union had stepped up its recruitment work and was campaigning to protect and improve conditions for maritime members. “The election of a Labour government with a big majority in the Commons has helped significantly, and we have also maintained our effective working relationships with the Scottish government and the Welsh government on devolved issues affecting our maritime and docks members, especially in the ferries’ sector,” he said. He outlined the effort the union had put into creating a mandatory Seafarers’ Charter designed to protect UK maritime jobs. By introducing new legislation, the initiative seeks to eliminate the exploitative agency crewing models seen in the short-sea ferry sector and prevent a recurrence of the P&O Ferries crisis. He explained how the union is working to make sure these new laws work effectively in ports and at sea. Some of these changes are already in effect, making it easier for RMT to support seafarers and dockers and to increase the number of workers covered by collective bargaining. Recently elected RMT assistant national secretary Karlson Lingwood told conference that the event was an opportunity to look at the union’s successes and build on them. “How do we engage members to become activists? Here in Portsmouth, Wightlink is a great example; how do we replicate that elsewhere?” he asked. Martin Quinn, Belfast Shipping led a call for RMT to intensify campaigning on the issue of workplace fatigue in the ferry sector. “Worker fatigue is a significant occupational health and safety issue that increases the risk of accidents, injuries and long-term health problems,” he said. RMT regional organiser Geoff Kite gave a rundown of some of RMT’s activity at local maritime companies including Hovertravel where a dispute is currently under way. He said that while Wightlink remained a model for the union – nearly all workers are members of the union – high fares were putting pressure on the company and causing significant issues. Royal Fleet Auxiliary convenor Ian Parkin reported on how the union had been working to improve the industrial framework to protect members with one of the biggest achievements being the creation of a new collective bargaining agreement at RFA. “It was a long, difficult, and at times frustrating process, but ultimately, we got there through determination and collective effort. “The new agreement simplifies many of the processes our members previously struggled to navigate and provides greater clarity, transparency and protection for RFA seafarers. “It also addressed long- standing tensions regarding the convenor role as under the previous arrangement, convenors were expected to split their time between union duties and organisational responsibilities, often limiting our ability to fully support members. “I am pleased to report that we successfully secured 100 per cent trade union facility time for the convenor role. “This is a major victory for our members because it means your representatives can now fully dedicate their time to supporting cases, dealing with disputes, challenging poor management decisions, and representing the interests of RFA seafarers without compromise,” he said. Recent industrial action at RFA over fair pay had been extremely well supported by members and he told delegates that the formation of the dedicated RFA branch of the union had transformed member engagement with online meetings attracting up to 145 members. Stena Line convenor Michael Hobson reported that the union had recently negotiated above RPI pay increases and had also secured significant increases in maternity and paternity pay. “We are fighting to create decent work and conditions for future generations,” he said. DEFEND SHIPPING JOBS AND END EXPLOITATION RMT shippers discuss recruitment, recognition and collective bargaining