Devonport Naval Base faces disruption as Royal Navy tugboat crews announce strikes

Around 300 Royal Navy tugboat and marine services crew members, many with decades of experience, are set to strike in March after being excluded from key consultations regarding service changes that could impact their ability to operate effectively.

These skilled workers, who play a critical role in the movement of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, and other naval vessels, warn that the proposed changes will affect their capacity to provide round-the-clock, year-round support. Their work is particularly crucial for the UK’s continuous at-sea deterrent, ensuring the safe navigation of nuclear submarines in and out of Devonport and other naval ports.

The workers are employed by Serco Marine, which is currently negotiating with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over the renewal of its £1.2 billion, 10-year contract with the Royal Navy. However, government officials have suggested reducing the contract by £250 million, putting nearly 100 jobs at risk.

In previous negotiations, tugboat crews and skippers have been consulted to provide insights into operational requirements. Many of these workers transferred to Serco in 2008 following the privatisation of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service and bring between 20 and 45 years of expertise.

Unite, the union representing about half of Serco Marine’s workforce, has raised concerns over proposed cost-cutting measures, including reducing the number of tugboats required to move nuclear submarines from six to four. Workplace representatives had to inform Serco Marine that such a reduction would breach nuclear safety legislation.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham criticised the exclusion of workers from discussions, stating: “Serco and the MoD must listen to these seasoned seafarers. Ignoring their expertise risks vital jobs, decades of working knowledge, and fleet safety. They have Unite’s full backing in taking strike action.”

Beyond towing duties, Serco Marine staff provide essential services such as passenger transportation, tank cleaning, and delivering fuel, water, and munitions across all Royal Navy ports. They also support trials work and nuclear safety activities, forming a backbone of Devonport’s operational effectiveness. Without their contributions, the UK’s naval defence capabilities would be significantly weakened.

The industrial action will begin with a work to rule and overtime ban on 6 March. Strikes will take place in stages:

• 6 March: Tug masters, boatmasters, and bargemasters will hold a 24-hour strike.

• 7 March: Technical managers, workshop managers, engineers, tank cleaners, and technicians will strike for 24 hours.

• 10 March: All shore-based grades, office staff, workshop employees, fuel supervisors, barge operatives, and pilot boat crews will stage another 24-hour strike.

Unite National Officer John McGookin warned of the impact of the strikes, stating: “The strikes will cause significant disruption to the fleet, but our members have no choice if they are to protect these vital services. There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that requires Serco Marine and the MoD to engage in meaningful consultations.”

Further industrial action is expected if the dispute remains unresolved, raising concerns over continued disruptions at Devonport and other naval bases.