Employees at an RNLI lifeboat manufacturing site due to close at the end of next year are set to vote on potential strike action, trade union Unite has announced.
The union said around 50 workers at RNLI’s inshore lifeboat centre (ILC) on the Isle of Wight would be balloted from 22 June to 6 July over the charity’s “refusal to recognise Unite and negotiate redundancy terms”.
Last month, the RNLI confirmed that it would close the ILC in East Cowes and move its lifeboat production to another site in Poole, Dorset.
The charity estimated that consolidating its lifeboat manufacturing into one location would lead to a reduction in production hours by a third.
Earlier this year, Unite started a legal process to be recognised formally as RNLI’s union at the ILC, after the charity rejected an earlier request.
The union applied to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to be recognised for collective bargaining for all permanent staff at the ILC, excluding senior managers and production managers.
After reviewing Unite’s application and RNLI’s response, the CAC said it was satisfied that the union had made a valid request to the charity.
Unite ‘shocked by the RNLI’s behaviour’
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The RNLI has acted disgracefully towards our members.
“The RNLI must stop ignoring its workers’ wishes for recognition and collective bargaining. Our members at the RNLI have Unite’s full support in this fight to have their voices heard.”
Unite regional officer Jamie Major said: “I’m shocked by the RNLI’s behaviour during the dispute.
“This is the first time I’ve had to drag a charity that’s a household name through the legal process kicking and screaming.
“It’s highly disappointing that it continues to refuse Unite’s bid for recognition, especially at a time of such uncertainty for our members.
“The RNLI must change tack, otherwise it faces a disruptive dispute backed by the general public.”
RNLI: ‘Unite’s statement is misrepresentative’
The RNLI said it was disappointed about the ballot plans and that Unite’s statement “misrepresents and doesn’t accurately reflect” its efforts to support staff through the site closure.
“Our priority continues to be focused on listening to our employees and working closely with their representatives to shape, and where appropriate, enhance the support available to them,” RNLI’s chief engineer and technical director Ross Barraclough told Civil Society.
“The phased transition over 18 months has been thoughtfully designed to give as much notice as possible to our valued ILC colleagues, so that we may support them and their families during this difficult time, whilst supporting the long-term delivery of the RNLI’s vital lifesaving service.
“This firm commitment is reflected in the comprehensive transitional support plan that we’ve developed through formal consultation, regular employee forum meetings, drop-in sessions, and one-to-one conversations.”
Barraclough said the plan includes potential tailored options for the affected staff, including voluntary redundancy opportunities, redeployment, relocation support and career transition assistance.
He said the RNLI has also committed to guaranteeing job opportunities in Poole for production employees wherever possible.
Charity supports union recognition process
Barraclough also said the RNLI was “fully supportive of the statutory recognition process being managed by the CAC”.
“We await the CAC’s decision to grant Unite collective bargaining status; we understand that the CAC has requested additional information before doing so,” he said.
“However, in the meantime, we continue to discuss the matter on an informal basis.
“We’d wish to work openly and constructively with both Unite representatives and ILC employee representatives on matters affecting our colleagues, just as we’d expect to do in any positive industrial relations environment.
“We’re keen to ensure that our dedicated employees have full access to the right information, that we have meaningful engagement, and that they have the practical support they need throughout the transition.”
