Workers employed by the British Antarctic Survey have accepted pay rises of up to 37%, following negotiations with their employer and trade union.
The employees are members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).
The agreement regards a new pay scale and wage rates. The pay increases range from 10% to 37%, with a large number of employees receiving a 26% pay rise.
As part of the deal, specialist allowances and end-of-year performance payments have also been secured for staff.
Mariella Giancola, head of HR, EDI and wellbeing at the British Antarctic Survey, said: “We are delighted with this outcome, which recognises the vital skills and expertise of our marine crew who operate and maintain the UK’s icebreaker the RRS Sir David Attenborough. We acknowledge that our salaries were not competitive, and we have now developed a new pay framework that better reflects the responsibilities and specialist capabilities required for these roles. British Antarctic Survey is committed to our people and will continue working closely with our staff and the RMT to ensure our teams feel valued and supported throughout their career with us.”
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary at RMT, added: “This is a fantastic win for our members and I want to congratulate them and their negotiators for securing it. We have won substantial pay increases, and secured a new allowance system based on union involvement and proper recognition of experience and skill for all those contributing to the British Antarctic Survey.
“This result shows the value of strong union organisation and how determined negotiations can deliver results, particularly in the maritime industry.”
The organisation offers a range of employee benefits, which vary depending on the contract type and whether staff work in BAS Cambridge, at research stations or onboard polar ships. These include flexible working hours, maternity, paternity and adoption pay, a discounts scheme, sick pay cover, a defined benefit pension scheme, an employee assistance programme, a performance-related bonus, mental health first aiders and counselling for staff and their families.
