Plymouth naval vessels face refuelling crisis as Serco workers strike
Barge crew workers, who are members of the Unite the Union, are walking out today and tomorrow
Last updated 7th Oct 2022
Royal Navy vessels using the dockyard at Plymouth this weekend will be unable to refuel as barge crews take strike action today and tomorrow (7 and 8 October).
The dozen barge crew workers are members of the Unite the Union and are responsible for the refuelling of the naval ships.
The dispute is a result of their employer, outsourcing giant Serco, imposing what staff say is an "impossible roster on the workforce".
Under the new roster system, it is said that the workforce are not told whether they will be working at the weekend until Friday afternoon.
Unite say this has "destroyed" the workers' home/life balance and makes it "impossible" for them to arrange anything with their families.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This imposed roster means workers are left not knowing whether they are coming or going.
"It’s totally unacceptable, and we know it is unnecessary because the same employer, Serco, operates a different, fairer system just along the coast.
"All our members at Plymouth want is the same ability to balance their work and home lives.
"Unite is totally committed to defending the jobs, pay and conditions of its members. Our members employed by Serco in Plymouth will receive the union’s full support."
The workers previously took industrial action this summer between 21–23 July.
Unite regional officer Mark Richards said: "The strike action will cause considerable disruption to the Royal Navy in Plymouth but this dispute is entirely of Serco’s own making.
"Unite has made every attempt to resolve this issue through negotiation, but Serco has refused to listen and has treated our members with contempt."
We have contacted Serco for a statement.