Nautilus calls for crackdown on flags of convenience and a long-term solution to RFA pay and retention challenges at GFTU congress

Nautilus International has renewed its call for urgent reform of global shipping practices, especially flags of convenience (FOCs), and for a solution to RFA pay and retention issues, at the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) 106^th Biennial General Council Meeting.

Nautilus senior national secretary and head of governance and compliance Garry Elliott presented two unanimously-passed motions at the GFTU meeting – one tackling FOCs, and the other acknowledging the positive outcome of the RFA dispute in the UK but highlighting ongoing frustration with pay and retention in the public service pay dispute.

The successful Nautilus Motion 22 on FOCs marked the 75th anniversary of the campaign against flags of convenience in shipping by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and its affiliates, including Nautilus International. The FOC system allows shipowners to register vessels in countries with minimal regulation, often at the expense of seafarers' rights and safety.

Mr Elliott condemned the continued proliferation of FOCs, warning that they 'drive down wages and onboard conditions, induce fatigue and stress through excessive hours of work, and enable social dumping.' He cited the unlawful dismissal of 786 seafarers by P&O Ferries in March 2022 as a stark example of how FOCs undermine UK maritime jobs and standards.

The motion calls on the UK government to lead a global review of ship registration practices and to reinforce Article 91 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which requires a 'genuine link' between a ship and its flag state. It also urges the government to define this requirement more clearly to ensure states exercise proper jurisdiction and control over vessels on their registers.

Mr Elliott also highlighted the UK’s lack of cabotage laws – regulations that protect domestic shipping industries by reserving certain routes for national carriers. 'Eighty per cent of the world's maritime nations have these protections,' the motion noted, 'but the UK remains an outlier.'

The motion calls for new legislation to protect the UK's domestic shipping industries and inland waterways; grow the UK flag; and increase employment and training opportunities for domestic maritime professionals.

The message from Nautilus was clear: without decisive action, the UK risks losing control of its maritime future.

The other successful motion presented to GFTU by Mr Elliott – Motion 19 – highlighted ongoing RFA pay and retention challenges and their implications for national security. It also passed without dissent. It addressed the historic first strike by RFA officers in August 2024 following over a decade of pay restraint. Described as a 'landmark moment' reflecting 'deep-seated frustration and anger over the public service pay dispute', the motion also highlighted the joint Nautilus and RMT day of action on Merchant Navy Day and the solidarity shown by GFTU affiliates.

In January 2025 RFA officers voted to accept a pay offer as an interim solution after months of unprecedented industrial action – but this deal was considered the beginning, not the end, of the Union's fight.

Mr Elliott said the Union welcomed the positive result, but warned: 'Despite the strike action and numerous attempts to resolve the issue, [the UK] government has thus far failed to provide a long-term satisfactory solution. This prolonged uncertainty has placed immense strain on RFA personnel and their families.'

Mr Elliott called upon the government to 'urgently address and resolve the RFA pay dispute and its position for the future. A swift resolution is essential to ensure the continued operational effectiveness of the RFA, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, as well as wider national security.'

A fair and equitable pay settlement for RFA personnel is 'not only a matter of justice but also a necessary investment in the future of the wider maritime sector', he said.