ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY (RFA) workers launched a 24-hour strike over pay yesterday, the International Day of the Seafarer.

Participation took place in ports and ships across the world following walkouts on May 19.

At the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, RMT members were joined in solidarity with 100 Unite and GMB members who would not the cross the picket.

An estimated 50-60 per cent of the total workforce walked out and the remainder refused to work on any RFA ships in solidarity.

RMT RFA convener Ian Parkin said there had been a lot of encouragement from the public and that contractors drafted in have refused to do work while there’s a picket outside.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This strike represents more than just a demand for fair pay: it is a stand for the respect and acknowledgment of seafarers and their crucial role worldwide.

“We call on all members to remain steadfast and united in their pursuit of a reasonable pay increase and decent working conditions, which they rightfully deserve.”