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Rhoscolyn	Rhoscolyn	Rhoscolyn	Rhoscolyn	Rhoscolyn

Coastguard Industrial Action

As members of the PCS Union we have been in dispute with the MCA for some time over parity with our colleagues in the other emergency services and equivalent grades in the Civil Service. At the lowest entry level in the Coastguard is Coastguard Watch Assistant (CWA) who had to have  special pay rise late in 2007 to bring them a fraction over the Minimum Wage, there is a difference of between £4000 and £6000 in equivalent grading to the Civil Service and other emergecy services, yet the CWA has to undertake twelve months probation during which time has to undergo training to a National required standard before being offered permanent employment. When qualified must be in a position not only to receive a call for Help but in certain circumstances to be able to co-ordinate the rescue as well.

There is not one Coastguard that wants to take industrial action and put any lives in jeopardy, but in this instance it is something that has to be done to try and resolve our situation. Coastguards are not militant and to prove the fact this is the first industrial action in our 158 years history, so if you can support us in any way please do so.