Strike action looms at Lloyd's Register as Dutch employees threaten to bring critical services to standstill over pay dispute

Nautilus International has issued an ultimatum to Lloyd's Register EMEA and Lloyd's Register Maritiem Nederland B.V. after the employer refused to negotiate with union members over pay and working conditions.

The union has given the company until noon on Thursday 27 November to agree to demands including a 4.5% wage increase backdated to January 2025, or face escalating industrial action that will directly impact the Port of Rotterdam, offshore wind projects, and the oil and gas supply industry.

Breakdown in negotiations

Despite repeated attempts by Nautilus International throughout 2025 to discuss fair wage increases that would align with Dutch inflation rates, Lloyd's Register has consistently failed to engage substantively with the union's proposals.

Richard Moti, negotiator for Nautilus International, said: 'Our members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. After three years of falling behind, with wages failing to keep pace with inflation, they've had enough. Lloyd's Register reported a record profit – yet claims it cannot afford fair pay increases for the workforce that delivers those results.'

Demands and timeline

Nautilus International is calling for:

• A general wage increase of 4.5% for all employees (backdated to 1 January 2025)
• A fair and transparent wage scale and pay system
• An agreement that employment conditions cannot be changed unilaterally without union consultation

If Lloyd's Register does not respond positively by the Thursday deadline, employees will begin with targeted action including refusal to work overtime and stopping certain activities. Should the dispute continue, this will escalate to work stoppages and strikes of varying duration.

The union has made clear it will observe all necessary safety measures and is willing to discuss protocols to ensure the safety of people, goods and equipment during any industrial action.
Industry impact

As a classification service, Lloyd's Register's role is fundamental to maritime and offshore operations. The company's certification is required before insurers and financiers will support projects, making it a critical link in supply chains serving the Port of Rotterdam – Europe's largest port – and the North Sea's extensive offshore infrastructure.

Any work transferred to other companies during industrial action will be declared 'contaminated work' by Nautilus International, meaning union members at those firms will be called upon to refuse the transferred workload.