RMT members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) have overwhelmingly voted to accept an improved pay deal, the union said today, bringing a hard-fought dispute with the Ministry of Defence to an end.

The agreement provides significant salary increases, including back pay, along with key benefits such as travel vouchers and shorter assignments to enhance work-life balance.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a fantastic result for our RFA members, who’ve stood strong, united and taken several bouts of strike action during this dispute. 

“They’ve secured real-terms pay increases, important improvements to their working lives and I thank them for their efforts.

“This agreement lays the groundwork for securing their future and vital role assisting the Royal Navy.

“We now go in to a phase of serious discussions with the RFA and MoD [Ministry of Defence] on the future structure of the RFA, their conditions of service and salaries, in which we expect to make further significant improvements for our members.”