Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) officers will take 24-hour strike action from 08:00 on Tuesday 9 June 2026 until 07:59 on Wednesday 10 June 2026, maritime trade union Nautilus International has confirmed.
The full withdrawal of labour marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over fair pay, alongside continuing industrial action short of a strike already in place since May.
Nautilus International general secretary Sascha Meijer said:
“Our members working for the RFA have shown real discipline and professionalism in holding back on escalation to support vital UK defence operations, including during heightened activity in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. That patience has been met with continued delay by the employer.
“Members are now taking action, and this latest escalation reflects their frustrations. Dialogue will continue but members are prepared to escalate further if that dialogue doesn’t deliver.”
Nautilus International director of organising Martyn Gray said:
“RFA officers are standing together and acting because enough is enough. This action is about fairness, respect, and securing the pay and working conditions they deserve.”
Nautilus confirmed that safety obligations remain paramount throughout the action.
