News

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are urging people not to go out on the water today (6 March) unless absolutely necessary as coastguards from Dover and around the country stage a one-day walkout.

A skeleton staff of management and non-union members will be providing a reduced 24 hour emergency service from coastguard stations along the south coast.

However, responsibility for managing the busy English Channel will stay with the MCA who will be liaising with French colleagues.

The first walkout in the history of the MCA is the result of a bitter pay dispute between bosses and members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) and Prospect unions.

About 700 members are expected to walk out across the country in protest at what they describe as a betrayal by the Government in holding down pay increases. They claim staff who are responsible for saving lives are paid little more than the national minimum wage.

The PCS claims that the French military will take over responsibility for shipping in the English Channel during the strike.