MSPS Back GMB Campaign for Coastguard Rescue Officers

MSPS BACK GMB CAMPAIGN FOR COASTGUARD RESCUE OFFICERS
Over fifty Holyrood politicians warn pay plan risks emergency service

Scores of MSPs have written to the UK Government to warn plans to stop paying coastguard volunteers will risk lives and coastal communities.

Over fifty Holyrood politicians have signed a letter to maritime minister Keir Mathers urging the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to pause the decision and engage with workers.

The MSPs, from parties including the SNP, Lib Dems, Greens, and Labour, were writing in support of a campaign by GMB in support of Coastal Rescue Officers (CROs).

They are paid £11 an hour for callouts and training but, just months after a landmark employment tribunal, supported by the union, secured them worker status, the MCA has warned the payments will be halted.

The letter from Holyrood politicians, including rural affairs secretary Gillian Martin and many MSPs representing coastal communities, warns ending remuneration is a needless risk to morale and will threaten the life-saving service.

They wrote: “Across Scotland, Coastguard Rescue Officers protect lives on our islands, cliffs, beaches, harbours and coastlines.

“When the call comes, they drop everything. Work is interrupted, family life is put on hold, and ordinary life is set aside because someone may be in danger.

“They do not do this work for the money. They do it because they believe in service, community and saving lives but the payment matters because it helps make that service possible.

“The value of our coastguard teams cannot be measured on a balance sheet. Their local knowledge, training and experience can be the difference between life and death.

“They should be respected, not taken for granted.”

The MSPs - 34 from the SNP, nine Greens, seven Lib Dems, and five Labour - urged the UK Government to intervene and encourage the MCA to pause its plans and enter discussions with Coastguard Rescue Officers and GMB.

The letter was sent on Friday, days after the issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions by Andrew Baxter, Lib Dems rural affairs spokesman. In response, John Swinney also promised to write to the UK Government raising the concerns.

GMB, representing CROs, said many have been dismayed and angered by plans to stop paying them hourly remuneration for attending emergency call-outs and training exercises.

The union said the plans were being rushed in with too little consultation or discussion and, if not paused, risks an exodus of experienced and committed workers.

Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, said: “We are an island nation, and it is impossible to overestimate the importance of the work of these rescue officers.

“Their expertise, experience and commitment is literally life-saving and demands nothing but our respect and gratitude.

“They do not do it for the money, but the money allows them to do it.

“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency seem determined to sabotage this lifeline service by driving through changes without consultation or good reason.

“We urge management to urgently pause these plans and engage with their volunteers instead of risking their goodwill and commitment.

“The value of their work far surpasses any savings management might make by stopping these payments. What price does the MCA put on a life saved?”

ENDS