Public Services

Posted on: 20 August 2026

Dear GMB Members,

GMB has led a major national campaign to protect the rights and future of HM Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) following proposals from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to remove hourly payments for emergency call-outs and training and replace them with an expenses-only volunteer model.

Building on the landmark legal case that confirmed remunerated CROs have worker status, GMB coordinated a nationwide campaign involving members, MPs, media engagement and public support. We highlighted the serious risks that removing remuneration would pose to recruitment, retention and the operational resilience of the Coastguard rescue service. Members consistently raised concerns that many experienced officers would be forced to reduce their availability or leave the service entirely, impacting emergency response capability around the UK's coastline.

The campaign achieved a significant victory. Following sustained pressure from GMB, Coastguard Rescue Officers and supportive MPs, the Government and MCA confirmed that the proposed changes would not proceed as originally planned. Existing payment arrangements remain in place while further discussions continue.

Building Strength and Representation

The campaign has driven unprecedented growth in GMB's Coastguard membership, which now stands at more than 750 members. We have also recruited over 40 new workplace representatives, who have undergone GDPR training as part of a multi-region development programme.

GMB continues to support members by challenging the MCA, challenging senior leadership and our ongoing commitment to strengthen union organisation throughout the service.

No Confidence Campaign

In July 2026, GMB launched a Vote of No Confidence campaign in MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea. By 3 August, the campaign had secured more than 600 signatures from active Coastguard Rescue Officers. Despite the scale of support, there has been no substantive response from either the MCA or the Department for Transport (DfT).

Following an escalation of the campaign on 11 August, the response from the MCA Chair was to defer the matters to the DfT rather than address our shared concerns directly.

If you have not signed the no confidence vote, you can do so here: Vote of No Confidence in Virginia McVey, CEO, Maritime and Coastguard Agency – Fill in form

Please be assured that it is not the intention of GMB to share the names of those who have signed the vote.

Pursuing Trade Union Recognition

GMB has now taken the next step in securing a lasting voice for Coastguard Rescue Officers by formally applying for statutory trade union recognition.

The application has been submitted to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) after the MCA deferred GMB's request for voluntary recognition to the Department for Transport. The CAC process is now underway and will determine whether GMB should be formally recognised for collective bargaining purposes.

GMB's case is clear. Existing recognition agreements were established to represent civil servants employed by the MCA. Coastguard Rescue Officers occupy a distinct position, being engaged primarily as workers rather than civil servants, with different employment arrangements, concerns and interests.

With more than 750 members, GMB has become the union that Coastguard Rescue Officers have overwhelmingly chosen to represent them. Our application is founded on the principle that workers should have the freedom to choose the union that best represents their interests and that CROs deserve a dedicated voice in negotiations affecting their future.

Looking Ahead

This has become one of GMB's most significant recent organising campaigns, demonstrating the union's ability to win real improvements, defend workers' rights and influence national policy on behalf of members delivering a vital lifesaving service.

We will continue fighting for secure recognition, fair treatment and a long-term solution that protects both Coastguard Rescue Officers and the resilience of this essential emergency service.

Key Achievements at a Glance

• ✅ MCA plans to remove remuneration halted.
• ✅ Over 750 GMB members across the CRO workforce.
• ✅ More than 40 new GMB representatives recruited and trained.
• ✅ Over 600 active CROs backed the No Confidence campaign.
• ✅ Formal CAC application for statutory union recognition submitted.
• ✅ Continued engagement with MPs, Government and MCA leadership to secure the future of the service.

What Next for GMB?

While securing the pause to the MCA's proposed removal of remuneration was a major victory, GMB's work is far from over. Our focus now is on delivering long-term protections for Coastguard Rescue Officers and ensuring members have a strong, recognised voice in decisions affecting their future.

Securing Trade Union Recognition

GMB's statutory recognition application is now being considered through the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) process. We will continue to make the case that Coastguard Rescue Officers form a distinct workforce with unique interests and should be represented by the union they have overwhelmingly chosen to join.

This process follows a strict legal framework - We anticipate a response within the next few weeks.

Protecting Pay and Worker Status

GMB remains committed to ensuring that any future proposals affecting CRO remuneration, working arrangements or terms and conditions fully recognise the worker status established through legal challenge. We will oppose any attempt to undermine the rights that members have fought hard to secure.

Continuing Pressure on the MCA and Government

The concerns that led to the No Confidence campaign have not gone away. GMB will continue to challenge the MCA and Department for Transport to engage meaningfully with members' concerns, provide clear leadership and demonstrate accountability for decisions affecting frontline rescue services.

Growing Membership and Workplace Organisation

With membership now exceeding 750, our priority is to continue building strength across the Coastguard Rescue Service. The recruitment and training of more than 40 new representatives is an important step towards ensuring members have local support, stronger representation and a more organised collective voice.

Defending the Future of the Service

Above all, GMB will continue campaigning to protect the resilience, effectiveness and sustainability of the Coastguard Rescue Service. Coastguard Rescue Officers provide an essential lifesaving service to communities across the UK, and any future reforms must support recruitment, retention and operational capability rather than put them at risk.

Our message is clear: GMB has shown that when Coastguard Rescue Officers stand together, they can influence national policy and secure real change. We will continue to fight for recognition, respect and a sustainable future for both our members and the vital service they provide.

Please reach out directly to me or your Region should you have any questions.

In solidarity,

Nicola Savage

GMB National Officer

nicola.savage@gmb.org.uk

Posted on: 13 August 2026

Sent on behalf of Coastguard Rescue Officers of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Please read the explanatory follow up "open letter" to Lord Simon Stevens, Chair, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Board, Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

CRO MCA Lord Stevens 110826.pdf

In solidarity

Nicola Savage

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 24 July 2026

Sent on behalf of Coastguard Rescue Officers of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Please read the explanatory "open letter" to Lord Simon Stevens, Chair, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Board, Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Lord Simon Stevens letter MCA.pdf

The letter has been written at the request of the GMB CRO Community.

Please see Vote of No Confidence link / QR code for your signature.

Vote of No Confidence in Virginia McVey, CEO, Maritime and Coastguard Agency – Fill in form

Legal & Privacy | GMB Union

You can join GMB here: Join GMB | GMB Union

In solidarity

Nicola Savage

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 24 July 2026

Dear GMB Member,

Please click these links to see the latest press releases.

Please note all GMB press releases are in the News section on the GMB website

1. almost-half-coastguards-forced-to-reduce-hours-over-cuts.pdf

2. coastguard-service-member-letter-30062026.pdf

3. gmb-takes-hm-coastguard-court-over-workers-rights.pdf

4. hm-coastguards-win-workers-status-after-historic-legal-win.pdf

5. will-coastguard-cuts-put-public-at-risk.pdf

6. thousands-of-coastguards-no-longer-paid-for-call-outs.pdf

7. coastguards-win-following-gmb-campaign.pdf

8. hm-coastguard-keep-worker-status-after-court-ruling.pdf

Posted on: 15 July 2026

Dear GMB member,

Please find attached the letter of support for coastguards from the area management teams.

letter-of-support.pdf

Kind Regards,

Nicola Savage

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 13 July 2026

Dear GMB member,

Please see the link to a self-explanatory letter requesting publication of CRO Survey Results and Disclosure of Risk Assessments Relating to the Coastguard Rescue Officer Service.

Maritime & Coastguard Agency Letter

I will provide an update once I receive a response.

Kind Regards,

Nicola Savage

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 1 July 2026

Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs)

Whilst full-time officers working within Maritime Operations, including Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs) across the United Kingdom, are not permitted to comment publicly on this matter without potentially facing disciplinary action, it is important to state that we stand firmly alongside our colleagues within Coastal Operations and the Coastguard Rescue Service, many of us as also volunteers in the CRS..

We fully support the work undertaken by Coastal Officers and strongly believe they should continue to receive remuneration above and beyond the reimbursement of expenses. The role they perform demands significant commitment, sacrifice and professionalism. These officers willingly give up their time, often at short notice, to respond to emergencies in all conditions, at all hours of the day and night. They provide a vital lifesaving service to the public and are an integral part of the Coastguard's operational capability. Their dedication, experience and willingness to serve deserve recognition and fair reward.

What is particularly concerning is that those of us working within Maritime Operations were never consulted on this proposal, nor were we asked to provide any assessment of the likely operational impact. Despite this, many of us could see the potential consequences from a considerable distance. The likely effects on recruitment, retention, morale and operational effectiveness were apparent from the outset. Removing an allowance that recognises the commitment and responsibilities of Coastal Officers risks sending a damaging message to both existing personnel and prospective recruits.

The Coastguard Rescue Service does not operate in isolation. Maritime Operations and Coastal Operations are two parts of the same organisation, working together every day to protect life around the coast and at sea. Any reduction in the strength, resilience or morale of one part of the organisation inevitably affects the other. The burden created by reduced recruitment, increased resignations or lower operational availability will ultimately be felt across the wider Coastguard network.

Regrettably, this decision appears to have been made by individuals who have never worked within Maritime Operations or Coastal Operations and who may not fully understand the realities, pressures and challenges faced by operational personnel or maybe they don't care and come from the belief that business is business. There is a growing sense amongst many staff and volunteers that decisions affecting frontline services are increasingly being taken without meaningful engagement with those who deliver them. As a result, this decision is widely viewed as misguided, unjustified and an expedient solution that prioritises short-term financial considerations over long-term operational resilience.

The frustration felt throughout the organisation should not be underestimated. Coastal Officers are not simply volunteers filling gaps in a system; they are highly trained, highly committed operational personnel who represent the Coastguard in communities across the country. Their contribution saves lives, supports families in their darkest moments and provides reassurance to countless members of the public every year.

Unfortunately, this is not the first decision that has caused concern amongst Coastguard personnel and implemented without proper consultation, consideration and understanding of its wider consequences. Decisions such as this risk causing lasting harm, creating unnecessary frustration and undermining confidence in leadership. More importantly, they have the potential to negatively impact not only the Coastguard as an institution, but also the many lives, families and communities that depend upon its professionalism, capability and commitment every single day.

Our colleagues in Coastal Operations deserve our support, our respect and fair recognition for the invaluable service they provide. We stand with them and urge the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to reconsider this decision before lasting damage is done.

Kind Regards,

Nicola Savage
GMB National Officer

Posted on: 1 July 2026

Dear Members,

Please click the link below to read the latest Coastguard Service Member update letter from the GMB’s General Secretary, Gary Smith.

Coastguard Service Member Letter 30062026.pdf

Kind regards,

Nicola Savage

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 30 June 2026

Dear GMB member

To keep you all updated, attached are letters sent this week to Virgina McVea, CEO MCA.

Letter to Keir Mather, MP

mca-recognition-letter-290626.pdf

GS to Virginia McVea 30062026.pdf

MCA Formal Recognition letter 290626.pdf

gmb-letter-to-dft.pdf

Kind Regards,

Nicola Savage
GMB National Officer

Posted on: 29 June 2026

Dear Members,

We want to provide an update on the progress of GMB's recognition campaign within the MCA.

As part of the statutory trade union recognition process, GMB is required to first submit a formal written request to the MCA seeking recognition for collective bargaining purposes. This is the first stage of the process set out under Schedule A1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and is a necessary step before any application can be made to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

Following this request, the MCA has an opportunity to respond and engage in discussions with GMB regarding voluntary recognition. If recognition is not agreed, or if discussions do not lead to an agreement, GMB may then proceed to submit an application to the CAC for statutory recognition.

I have today written to Virginia McVea, CEO MCA to initiate this process. This is an important milestone and demonstrates GMB's commitment to securing a recognised voice for members in negotiations.

We would like to thank all members for their continued support and engagement. We will keep you informed of developments and next steps as the process progresses.

Kind Regards,

Nicola Savage
GMB National Officer