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Royal Navy tugboat and marine services crews, some of whom move nuclear submarines, are being balloted for strike action amid safety concerns.
Unite claims workers are being locked out of consultations over the services they provide despite their decades of expertise, and warned this could put safety at risk.
The crews, based at Devonport, Portsmouth, Faslane, Great Harbour Greenock and Kyle of Lochalsh, are employed by Serco Marine, which the union said is currently in talks with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about renewing its 10-year £1.2 billion contract with the Royal Navy.
As part of their roles, the crews are responsible for the movement of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers and other naval vessels in and out of ports.
Unite said the proposed service changes would impact on their ability to provide a 24/7, 365-days-a-year service, including for the continuous at-sea deterrent.
It called for workers to be involved in consultations on the proposed changes and said this had happened in previous contract negotiations, providing critical insight into how the service operates at sea.
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.”
Around 300 Royal Navy tugboat and marine services crews are being contacted in the ballot, which opens on Monday February 3 and runs for two weeks.
Members of the Prospect union employed by Serco Marine at the sites are on a 24-hour strike on Monday followed by an overtime ban and work to rule.
Sue Ferns, Prospect senior deputy general secretary, said: “Our members don’t want to take industrial action but we need to be engaged on the new contract or there is a real danger that our fleet will not get the support it needs to function properly.
“The services covered by this contract are essential for national security and for the continuous at sea deterrent.
“We are calling for the contract to be paused so the implications of any changes can be properly considered and addressed.”
As well as towing, Serco Marine staff are responsible for passenger transportation, tank cleaning and delivering fuel, water and munitions at all Royal Navy ports.