Coastguards are set for union recognition after the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) agreed to talks with GMB.
The MCA wrote GMB Union this week confirming it was ready to begin discussions over the introduction of a voluntary recognition agreement for the Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) community.
Previously, the body had turned down coastguard calls for recognition - claiming coastguards were employed by the Department for Business and Trade, rather than the MCA.
GMB began proceedings for calling on adjudicating body the Central Arbitration Committee to rule on whether the union should be recognised on behalf of hundreds of coastguard members.
Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) carry out rescues and search for missing people around the UK's coast, including Scotland, Wales and England’s south coast.
Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer, said:
"After a lot of kicking and screaming, the MCA has done the right thing and come to the table.
"There's still a process to follow, but it now looks likely GMB will secure official recognition, meaning we can fight on behalf of our hundreds of CRO members to get them better pay, terms and conditions.
"This is a huge win for these lifesaving heroes and their journey to get the respect they deserve."
