Coastguard Strike To End This Evening

Local coastguard workers are expected to end their Bank Holiday weekend-long strike this evening.

Office-based employees took the 48-hour protest due to a pay dispute.

The rescue coordinators have insisted they are paid less than other members of the emergency services.

RNLI boat crews were not affected by the strike.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said contingency plans were in place, but urged holidaymakers and boat users to take extra care throughout the rest of today.

Around 700 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union staged the UK-wide walk out on Saturday.

Earlier this year, centre coordinators undertook five days of industrial action.

Their union has claimed worker have experienced real-terms pay cuts, with pay rises averaging 2.5% for most staff, and less than 1% for senior personnel.

Centre staff have asked for an additional £3,000 per annum, on top of their £12,500 salary.

See: RNLI Remains Vigilant

(PR)