Approximately 50 workers at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) Inshore Lifeboat Centre are currently balloting for strike action after the employer refused to recognise Unite.

Staff have been calling for Unite to be recognised since last year. In January, Unite started the formal legal process to recognise the union, going through the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to ask for statutory recognition.

The CAC have just completed its membership checks which demonstrates a clear desire by the majority of workers to have the union negotiate on their behalf, however the RNLI is still refusing to allow Unite recognition.

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."

Last month, the RNLI also confirmed it would close the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes by 2028, which would cause job losses and have a huge impact on the local community and local marine industry.

However, it is also refusing to negotiate redundancy terms for the workforce, who do a highly skilled role supplying and maintaining lifeboats for over half of the 238 stations run by the RNLI across the UK.

The strike ballot opens on 22 June and closes on 6 July. Unite is planning a summer of campaigning activity at events and festivals on the Isle of Wight to highlight the situation and is also asking local residents and businesses to display a campaign poster and to sign a petition calling on the RNLI to reconsider its decision to close the site, which can be found here.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said: "I am shocked by the RNLI's behaviour during the dispute. This is the first time I have had to drag a charity that is a household name through the legal process kicking and screaming.

"It is 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."

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org