This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-leeds-16665042
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Unilever workers in Leeds hold 24-hour pensions strike | Unilever workers in Leeds hold 24-hour pensions strike |
(1 day later) | |
Workers at a West Yorkshire factory have staged a 24-hour strike in a row over pensions. | |
Staff at consumer goods firm Unilever in Leeds walked out as part of a series of strikes at sites around the country. | Staff at consumer goods firm Unilever in Leeds walked out as part of a series of strikes at sites around the country. |
Members of the Usdaw and Unite unions say they are angry about plans to close the company's final salary pension scheme. | Members of the Usdaw and Unite unions say they are angry about plans to close the company's final salary pension scheme. |
Unilever said it was "deeply concerned by the disproportionate action" the unions were taking. | Unilever said it was "deeply concerned by the disproportionate action" the unions were taking. |
'Sensible solution' | 'Sensible solution' |
In December, 2,500 Unilever workers - out of a workforce of 7,000 - took part in the first national strike at the company. | In December, 2,500 Unilever workers - out of a workforce of 7,000 - took part in the first national strike at the company. |
David Johnson, national officer for Usdaw, said the Leeds strike was being held in defence of the final salary scheme. | David Johnson, national officer for Usdaw, said the Leeds strike was being held in defence of the final salary scheme. |
"The impact of the changes that are being proposed mean that people in retirement will lose between 20-40% of their income, which is outrageous," he said. | "The impact of the changes that are being proposed mean that people in retirement will lose between 20-40% of their income, which is outrageous," he said. |
"Let's sit down and talk about this and find a sensible solution." | "Let's sit down and talk about this and find a sensible solution." |
A Unilever spokesman said making a decision to change the pension scheme "was a tough but necessary choice which reflects the realities of rising life expectancy and increased market volatility". | A Unilever spokesman said making a decision to change the pension scheme "was a tough but necessary choice which reflects the realities of rising life expectancy and increased market volatility". |
"We believe the provision of final salary pensions is a broken model which is no longer appropriate for Unilever. | "We believe the provision of final salary pensions is a broken model which is no longer appropriate for Unilever. |
"It is our responsibility to protect the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our business, and to do so is in the best interests of our people," he said. | "It is our responsibility to protect the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of our business, and to do so is in the best interests of our people," he said. |
The new pension arrangements were "exceptionally competitive" and enhanced following feedback from its consultation with employees. | The new pension arrangements were "exceptionally competitive" and enhanced following feedback from its consultation with employees. |
Previous version
1
Next version