The RNLI has been criticised for refusing to recognise Unite as union tensions grow over the future of East Cowes’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre.
East Cowes independent county councillor Karl Love has condemned the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) over its decision not to formally recognise Unite the Union, as reported by Island Echo.
Cllr Love described the move as “unbelievable, uncaring and totally out of step” with the charity’s ethos.
The RNLI is considering proposals to consolidate its lifeboat manufacturing into a single location, a move it says is necessary to remain “sustainable and fit for the future”.
If approved, the plans would see inshore lifeboat production move from East Cowes to the charity’s manufacturing site in Poole from the end of 2027, putting Island jobs at risk and raising concerns locally.
Unite claims the RNLI has refused to formally recognise the union during talks, prompting legal action through the Central Arbitration Committee.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has criticised the decision, saying it denies workers a “fundamental right”.
Cllr Love said RNLI management was unwilling to do the “decent thing” by offering staff what he described as a vital “lifeline of support” during a period of uncertainty.
“The RNLI workforce is known for its dedication, compassion, care of life and empathy towards those in peril on the sea, but it appears the same values are not afforded by the RNLI executive managers to their own workforce, who are calling on a different kind of lifeboat – Unite – for help in receiving proper highly skilled representation.
“After 200 years of lifeboat building in East Cowes and massive dedication, the workforce deserves to be respected, and this doesn’t look like respect. It looks like active prevention of a vital service to help others through this difficult time.”
Unite regional co-ordinating officer Jamie Major said the union had been left with no option but to pursue legal action.
“It is deeply disappointing that an organisation such as the RNLI is choosing to go down this route of refusing to recognise Unite and deploying tactics to avoid giving its hardworking staff a voice.
Article continues below this advertisement “Unite has no choice but to begin the formal legal process to ensure our members have proper representation and leverage over what happens to their jobs, pay and conditions – especially given the current situation which has left these workers with huge uncertainty around their futures.”
An RNLI spokesperson said the charity had carefully considered Unite’s request but would not be granting formal recognition.
“The RNLI has carefully considered the request from Unite.
“In doing so, the charity took into account its existing support forum for staff, which is involved in helping staff from the Inshore Lifeboat Centre.
“An additional, 18-strong specific ILC staff forum has been created and is recognised independently.
“While we are rejecting the request from Unite, any RNLI staff from the ILC who are members can be accompanied by Unite at any forthcoming individual meetings.”
The rnli doesnt think twice about being an illegal immigrnt cab service though
How dare you.
The RNLI wouldn’t think twice about rescuing anyone from the sea, or did you think they should stop to ask for ID papers first and wait for people to drown before they produced them? What about people fished out unconscious? ‘Hello? Are you English? Can we see your passport please? Oh, no answer, come away lads’ Utter, utter stupid, spiteful moron.
Another r acist Reformer
Bless
Glorified taxi service for illegal immigrants I will not donate to this charity under any circumstances.
The RNLI doesn’t think twice when a member is a greedy fat developer concreting over our Island
Of course it’s not good for the island and RNLI would rather avoid all the upheaval but business is doing what is best for. Councillors are not in business and should not interfere. I agree with unioñs protecting working conditions but no more that.