SEAFARERS who supply Royal Navy ships are on strike for the fifth time in a pay dispute.

Sailors with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), who are members of the maritime union RMT, are walking out tomorrow and pickets are in action at British ports including Portland, Birkenhead, Portsmouth and some overseas ports including in Australia.

Tomorrow is Merchant Navy Day which honours merchant seafarers who gave their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This strike action has extra significance for our members because they will be honouring their fallen comrades in the Merchant Navy while on picket lines in Britain, Australia and around the world.

“RFA seafarers perform a vital role of supporting a range of operations including our navy and they should be paid properly for such important work.

“We will continue to campaign for a decent pay rise so we can reach a negotiated settlement.”