Crews Operating Tugs for UK’s Royal Navy Taking Strike Vote

Around 300 crewmembers who staff tugboats operated to support the UK’s Royal Navy and provide marine services are taking a strike vote. The move comes as their union, Unite, is complaining they have been locked out of ongoing negotiations between the Ministry of Defense and service provider Serco Marine regarding the renewal of a 10-year contract valued at £1.2 billion ($1.5 million).

Unite reports it represents approximately half the tugboat captains, crewmembers, and workers employed by Serco to provide services to the Royal Navy. In addition to navigational support for everything from the pride of the fleet aircraft carriers and nuclear subs to all other naval vessels, Serco Marine is responsible for deliv…