BMW urges union to hold fresh talks as strike action begins
Carmaker BMW has made an 11th hour plea to unions to head to the negotiating table in a last-ditch attempt to avoid damaging strike action.
The company is bracing itself for industrial action at its Hams Hall engine plant, MINI body panel works in Swindon and the MINI production facility in Cowley.
Workers at the three plants have agreed strike action through their union, Unite, in protest against the closure of the company’s pension scheme.
The company said: “We regret the decision by Unite to stage industrial action and are hopeful that the union’s representatives will return to the negotiating table.
“We have been in meaningful discussions with Unite since September of last year and have put forward a number of options to help staff transition to the proposed new pension scheme arrangements.
“Like many businesses, we know that the costs and risks associated with defined benefit pension schemes makes them unsustainable and unaffordable in the long term. The reason we are proposing changes now is so we can protect existing and future pensions for all our staff and ensure the long term competitiveness of our UK manufacturing operations.
“Our door remains firmly open to further talks with Unite to find a resolution that is mutually acceptable to both sides.”
Today’s industrial action is the first of five planned 24-hour stoppages over the next few weeks as the workers look to press their claims.
Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, said: “BMW’s refusal to discuss affordable options to keep the pension scheme open means that for the first time its UK workforce will be taking strike action.
“It is very much the last resort for a world class workforce that takes great pride in making the iconic Mini and world renowned Rolls-Royce motor cars and one which could have been avoided if BMW’s bosses had been willing to negotiate meaningfully with Unite.
“Instead BMW has paid lip service to the concerns of a workforce whose hard work and efficiency has helped the German carmaker achieve record sales amid surging profits and sought to pinch their pensions.
“BMW’s bosses should be under no illusion of the determination of Unite members to defend their pensions. They are in this for the long haul.”
