UK Serco Marine employees vote in favour of strike action
WORKERS at a company which has a presence in Lochalsh have voted for strike action after claims employees were effectively “locked out of consultations”.
The vote in favour of strike action relates to Serco Marine.
Over 300 UK Serco Marine employees were balloted for strike action from February 3 to 17, due to “being locked out of consultations” regarding the company’s contract with the Royal Navy’s afloat services.
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 number 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.
The union has stated that the strikes will be called in the coming days, and Unite has urged Serco Marine and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to “enter meaningful consultations with the workforce”.
Unite national officer John McGookin said: “Unite members at Serco Marine have voted in favour of strike action over their concerns that the new contract will result in afloat services that are not fit for purpose. Strikes will be called in the coming days. Serco Marine and the MoD must enter meaningful consultations with the workforce over the impact of the proposed contract changes if industrial action is be avoided.”
Previously, 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.
A Serco spokesperson previously 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 previously 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.”
