RMT Press Office

RMT campaigning secures Government commitment on application of minimum wage in shipping and offshore sectors

RMT campaigning has secured a concrete Government commitment to help end undercutting in the Maritime and Offshore sectors.

This week the Department published their Maritime strategy document which said,



“The welfare and wellbeing of our people must be of topmost concern as they are one of our most valuable resources. As a result we are currently working in a number of employment areas that will improve the working conditions and reward of personnel. Among these are actions to:



• extend the National Minimum Wage for seafarers in territorial waters and one port voyages"

This is a significant step forward in eliminating the scandal of undercutting and below minimum wage rates of pay in the Maritime and Offshore sectors.



RMT National Secretary, Steve Todd, said;

"The Government must now stick to this clear commitment to extend the National Minimum Wage for seafarers working in UK territorial waters and on one port voyages to the offshore sector, as campaigned for by RMT members and in our meetings with government.

" RMT will now be stepping up our campaign for swift and effective legislation from the Government to enact this as part of our wider campaign to completely end undercutting and the scourge of nationality based pay discrimination against seafarers and offshore workers."

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said;

"We welcome the movement, at last, to apply and enforce National Minimum Wage pay rates for seafarers working between UK ports and from the UK to offshore installations.

"This is a major victory for RMT's hard working seafarer and offshore members who continue to provide safe and secure services for passengers, businesses, the freight sector and the offshore industry."