Research crew to strike over pay and conditions

Unite the Union say staff working on a research vessel are unhappy over pay and conditions

The crew of a research vessel are set to strike over pay and conditions.

Almost 30 Unite the Union members, who are employed by AW Crewing, will walk out from 9 to 12 September.

The crew works on the Cefas Endeavour, a government surveying ship based out of the Port of Lowestoft in Suffolk, and Unite said they are paid less than their counterparts working for AW Crewing on other vessels.

AW Crewing has been approached for comment.

The Cefas Endeavour is based out of the Port of Lowestoft in Suffolk

Unite said the crew worked "extremely skilled" roles and while they had been offered a 6.5% pay rise, it was rejected "as it still leaves some crew members earning less than their counterparts on other vessels".

The union also said its members were unhappy with not having a fixed number of days on board, working 12-hour days, and being at sea for as many as 39 days in a row - "leaving them with no work/life balance".

The crew have asked for a fixed 28-day rotation to be put in place.

During a recent vote, members voted 100% for strike action on an 81% turn out.

Unite regional officer, Claire Less, said the strikes would be "very disruptive", while the union's general secretary Sharon Graham said the members had "Unite's full support throughout their strike".

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science has also been approached for comment.