Coastguards must have union voice

GMB has launched a bid to be formally recognised as the union for coastguards.

In a letter to the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) the union has called for trade union recognition on behalf of its 1,000 coastguard members,

The MCA initially claimed coastguards were employed by the Department for Business and Trade, rather than the MCA.

Now the body has 10 days to respond, before Central Arbitration Committee, which adjudicates on union recognition bids, steps in.

Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer, said:

“GMB’s legal battle against the MCA has made one thing crystal clear; coastguards need and deserve union recognition.

“With almost 1,000 coastguard members, GMB is uniquely placed to fight on their behalf over renumeration, terms and conditions.

“We urge to MCA to accept our application and avoid the costly, lengthy delays CAC arbitration will bring.”