Coastguards defy call to strike

Some coastguards are defying their union and remaining on duty during national strike action over pay.

Coastguards in the PCS union begin 48 hours of industrial action at 1900 BST.

But those stationed at Portland in Dorset who also cover part of the Devon coast, will staff the post rather than only managers, as was predicted.

Some workers at Portland have told the BBC that they do not feel they can go out on strike when schools are breaking up and the weekend could be very busy.

Portland officers cover the coastline east of the river Exe in Devon to the boundary between Dorset and Hampshire.

There are other coastguard stations in the South West at Brixham in Devon and Falmouth in Cornwall.

PCS member Philip Chappell told BBC News: "It will be up to each member's conscience, but I will be on duty for emergency cover.

"They run an important emergency service... and it's important that they are paid properly for that difficult and dangerous work"
Jeff Lewtas, PCS

"Some unions members are angry, they do not see why we should even be doing that, but I do not see why mariners should suffer."

PCS national pay co-ordinator Jeff Lewtas said: "We are disappointed, but we do not believe it is like a pattern across the coastline.

"Our members remain very angry at the pay situation.

"They run an important emergency service, like the police, fire brigade and ambulance and it's important that they are paid properly for that difficult and dangerous work."

Peter Cardy, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which runs the coastguard service, said: "No coastguard wants to go on strike.

"Everyone knows the importance of the service they are providing.

"I would like to get round the table and talk to the union about the future shape of the coastguards and the pay that goes with those jobs."

Coastguards staged their first strike in their history in March.

Staff want a rise of £3,000 on their current base salary of about £14,000, because they say their salaries are lower than administrative staff in comparable emergency services.

Safety advice

The coastguard staff at Portland and other centres co-ordinate the rescue work of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Rescue services by the RNLI and MCA helicopters and volunteer coastguards will be unaffected.

Safety advice from the MCA for during the strike, includes making sure boat users have an up-to-date marine weather forecast before setting sail.

Skippers should also ensure everyone onboard a vessel is wearing a lifejacket.

Warm clothing should be available and torches, spare batteries, flares and a fixed or handheld radio should be taken.

Plans should be worked out in advance to ensure no-one is left worrying about late arrivals, the MCA said.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Public and Commercial Services Union
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites