Lochalsh workers among UK Serco Marine employees being balloted for strike action
WORKERS in Kyle of Lochalsh are amongst 300 UK Serco Marine employees being balloted for strike action due to “being locked out of consultations” regarding the company’s contract with the Royal Navy’s afloat services.
As part of their roles, the crews are responsible for the movement of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers and other naval vessels in and out of ports. Unite the Union claims that the proposed service changes would impact on their ability to provide a 24/7 365-day service, including for the continuous at sea deterrent.
They are employed by Serco Marine, which is currently in talks with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about renewing its 10-year £1.2 billion contract with the Royal Navy. Officials have indicated they want to reduce the contract by £250 million, putting nearly 100 jobs at risk.
Unite says that in previous contract negotiations, the Royal Navy’s tugboat skippers and crews have been involved in consultations to provide insight into how the service operates at sea. A significant amount of the 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 understands that during current talks it was proposed the number of tugboats used to move nuclear submarines be reduced from six to four to save costs. The union’s workplace reps had to inform Serco Marine that this would be in contravention of nuclear safety legislation.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Both Serco and the MoD need to listen to these workers. They are not deskbound managers or bureaucrats: they are seafarers with decades of experience. Knowing how to tow an aircraft carrier or nuclear submarine according to wind, tide and topography is just one facet of their expertise. Without their input, the proposed contract risks losing vital jobs and the invaluable working knowledge that comes with them, seriously endangering the fleet’s ability to function safely.”
In addition to towing, Serco Marine staff are responsible for passenger transportation, tank cleaning and delivering fuel, water and munitions at all Royal Navy ports. They also take part in trials work and nuclear safety activities. They have a role in maintaining the continuous at sea deterrent and the deployment of all Royal Naval assets on a day-to-day basis all year-round. Without the work they carry out, the UK’s naval defence would be limited.
The ballot for strike action opened on February 3, and runs for two weeks. Unite represents around half of Serco Marine’s total workforce. Strike action by Prospect members at Serco Marine is also taking place over the same issue.
Unite national officer John McGookin said: “Our members have been forced to ballot for strike action because of their concerns that the new contract will result in afloat services that are not fit for purpose. This dispute will continue to escalate until Serco Marine and the MoD enter into meaningful consultations with the workforce over the impact of the proposed contract changes.”
A Serco spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite members are balloting to strike. Our discussions with the MoD regarding their requirements for the Next Generation In-Port contract remain ongoing and we are committed to keeping union members updated on any proposed changes. At present, the level of service we provide on our current contract remains unchanged.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Royal Navy operational priorities – including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent and aircraft carriers – will not be affected during the strike.
“While this is a matter between the contractor and their workforce, we stand by to assist in the resolution process where appropriate.”