A petition has been launched by the Unite Action Network after the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) on the Isle of Wight ‘refused to recognise Unite and negotiate redundancy terms’ after the announcement of its sudden closure in May.
Around 50 staff at the East Cowes manufacturing site are threatening strike action, with the union publicising that workers would be balloted from 22nd June to 6th July over the charity’s refusal.
The trade union, which represents the 70 workers who are to be affected by the Clarence Road closure, says the campaign aims to persuade the RNLI to reconsider its decision to transfer lifeboat production to Poole, Dorset, by the end of 2027.
The petition comes as tensions continue between Unite and the RNLI over union recognition and redundancy negotiations, with the union having begun the statutory process through the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to seek formal recognition for collective bargaining at the site last month.
Unite says the closure would have a significant impact not only on employees and their families, but also on the wider Isle of Wight community and the marine industry.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the East Cowes facility, which has operated since 1963, builds and maintains up to 80 lifeboats each year and currently employs around 70 people.
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.”
Unite Regional Officer, Jamie Major, said:
“It’s 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.”
When announcing the closure last month, the RNLI said consolidating manufacturing operations at its Poole facility would help ensure the charity remained sustainable and fit for the future.
Ross Barraclough, RNLI Chief Engineer and Technical Director, previously said the organisation’s priority remained supporting affected staff through the transition.
He said the RNLI had developed a support package including voluntary redundancy opportunities, redeployment, relocation assistance and career transition support, while also guaranteeing job opportunities in Poole for production employees where possible.
The charity has also stated that it supports the ongoing CAC process regarding Unite’s application for statutory recognition and remains committed to working constructively with employee representatives.
Unite says it plans to undertake a summer campaign across the Isle of Wight, including appearances at events and festivals, to highlight the issue and gather support for its petition.
