The movement of nuclear submarines and Royal Navy ships in and out of Devonport Naval Base could be disrupted due to potential strike action. Serco Marine’s tugboat and marine services crews have decided to take industrial action next month over concerns about job losses.
Some 300 workers, many with years of experience, will stage walkouts at bases in Scotland, Portsmouth and Plymouth. Unite union alleges staff have been excluded from crucial discussions on service changes, despite their extensive expertise.
These crews are responsible for the movement of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers and other naval vessels in and out of ports. Unite has expressed concern that the proposed service alterations would affect their ability to provide a round-the-clock, year-round service, including for the nuclear submarines which maintain the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent.
Devonport’s 9 Dock, recently refurbished to accommodate Vanguard Class nuclear subs during deep maintenance, could be affected. The workers involved in the dispute are employed by Serco Marine, currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) regarding the renewal of its £1.2bn, 10-year contract with the Royal Navy.
Unite said officials have suggested a reduction of the contract by £250m, potentially putting nearly 100 jobs at risk. The union pointed out that in previous contract talks, skippers and crews from the Royal Navy’s afloat services were included in consultations to provide critical insight into sea operations, reports Plymouth Live.
The workers are set to begin working to rule and implement an overtime ban on March 6. Tug masters, boatmasters and bargemasters will engage in a 24-hour strike action on the same day.
On March 7, technical managers, workshop managers, senior engineers, junior engineers, tank cleaners and technicians will also take part in a 24-hour strike action. Then, on March 10, all shore grades, office, workshop and shore staff, mates, able seaman, fuel supervisors, barge operatives and pilot boat crews will stage another 24-hour strike.
Unite represents about half of Serco Marine’s total workforce. Other workers, affiliated with the Prospect union, held a strike earlier this month and have been working to rule and refusing overtime, in the same dispute.
Unite has warned that further industrial action will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved. John McGookin, Unite national officer, said: “The strikes will cause significant disruption to the fleet but our members have no choice if they are to protect these vital services.
“There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that will require Serco Marine and the MoD engaging in meaningful consultations with the workforce over the impact of the proposed contract changes.”
A “significant” number of the affected workers transferred to Serco in 2008, following the privatisation of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service, and have experience ranging from 20 to 45 years, according to Unite.
Unite has expressed concerns that current discussions include proposals to reduce the number of tugboats used for manoeuvring nuclear submarines from six to four as a cost-saving measure, which representatives claim would violate nuclear safety laws.
Unite officials have highlighted Serco Marine’s responsibility for critical activities such as towing, passenger transport, tank cleaning and supplying fuel, water, and munitions at Royal Navy ports, along with participating in trials work and nuclear safety operations.
The union emphasised the essential role these activities play in sustaining the UK naval defence capabilities.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “Serco and the MoD must listen to these seasoned seafarers. Ignoring their expertise risks vital jobs and decades of working knowledge and endangers fleet safety. They have Unite’s complete backing in taking strike action.”
A spokesperson for Serco said: “It is disappointing that Unite members have voted to take strike action. We are continuing to have regular engagement with both trade unions and our priority remains to provide vital services to the Royal Navy. Currently, there is no change to the level of service we provide on our contract.”