Isle Of Wight RNLI Workers To Strike In Dispute Over Redundancy Terms

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Workers at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes are set to take strike action in a dispute over redundancy terms.

Members of the Unite union have voted to walk out after weeks of negotiations failed to reach an agreement with the charity over improved redundancy packages.

The action follows the RNLI’s announcement last month that the Inshore Lifeboat Centre will close by 2028, with lifeboat construction moving to Poole in Dorset.

Unite says the closure will lead to job losses and have a significant impact on the local community and marine industry.

Talks involving the conciliation service ACAS broke down after the RNLI said it would not improve redundancy payments, pointing to the relocation support it has offered staff.

However, the union says moving to Poole is not financially realistic for many workers and their families, due to the higher cost of living and the disruption it would cause.

Unite says workers at the East Cowes site carry out highly skilled roles, supplying and maintaining lifeboats for more than half of the RNLI’s 238 stations across the UK.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“The behaviour of the RNLI throughout this dispute has been a complete disgrace.

"While our members face uncertainty about their futures, it has refused to engage meaningfully with the union.

“Expecting workers to relocate to a completely new area, without any financial remuneration or thought as to the impact on their personal lives is completely unfair.

“Our members must be supported by their employer. This dispute can be easily avoided by the RNLI, but it relies on it changing tack and negotiating with Unite.”

The planned strike dates are 11, 19 and 25 August.

Unite says there will also be further activity, including workers speaking to businesses and ferry passengers in East Cowes to ask for support for its petition.

The union formally became recognised by the RNLI after Unite began the legal process earlier this year through the Central Arbitration Committee.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said members had “no choice” but to take industrial action after the RNLI refused to negotiate improved redundancy terms.

He added:

“The time for the RNLI's avoidance tactics and management putting their heads in the sand is over.

“The RNLI needs to do the right thing and give these workers, their families and the community the respect they deserve.”

The RNLI has previously said the move is part of plans to modernise its lifeboat production and ensure the charity can continue to save lives into the future.