Workers employed by Serco Marine at the Devonport Naval Base have announced plans to take industrial action next month. The strike follows a dispute over proposed job losses and changes to critical services, including the movement of nuclear submarines and Royal Navy ships. Around 300 workers, with decades of experience, will strike at bases in Scotland, Portsmouth, and Plymouth.

The Unite union claims that Serco Marine has locked out workers from crucial discussions about the changes to services, despite their expertise in managing naval vessel movements. These workers are responsible for the safe movement of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, and other Royal Navy vessels in and out of ports.

The proposed changes to the services could undermine the ability to provide a 24/7, 365-day service, which includes the movement of nuclear submarines that support the UK's continuous at sea deterrent. The dispute also involves the renewal of a £1.2 billion contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is currently under negotiation.

Potential Impact of Proposed Changes

One of the proposed cuts includes a reduction in the number of tugboats used to move nuclear submarines, from six to four. The union warns that this would violate nuclear safety legislation and compromise the safe operation of these critical naval assets.

Serco Marine staff also handle various other vital services, including the transportation of passengers, tank cleaning, and delivering fuel, water, and munitions across all Royal Navy ports. They are also involved in nuclear safety and trial work. Their work is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the Royal Navy year-round.

The union has warned that if the dispute is not resolved, further industrial action will be planned. John McGookin, the national officer for Unite, stated that these strikes would disrupt the Royal Navy's fleet but were necessary to protect vital services.

Timeline of Strike Action

The industrial action is set to begin on March 6 with workers engaging in a work-to-rule policy and an overtime ban. A 24-hour strike will also take place on the same day, involving tugmasters, boatmasters, and bargemasters. Additional strikes are planned on March 7 and March 10 involving a range of technical, engineering, and shore staff.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, urged the MoD and Serco to listen to the workers' concerns, emphasizing that ignoring their experience could risk the safety of the fleet and the jobs of seasoned professionals.

A spokesperson for Serco Marine expressed disappointment over the strike vote and assured that discussions with both trade unions were ongoing. The spokesperson reiterated that there would be no immediate change to the level of service provided to the Royal Navy.

Source: PlymouthLive