Port Sunlight workers sound off over pensions

MEMBERS of the Unite union are to host a demonstration at Unilever’s Port Sunlight plant on the Wirral over proposed changes to their pension scheme.

The demonstration will be held tomorrow morning at the research and development base at Port Sunlight following Unilever’s announcement that it is to transfer the pensions of 5,000 workers from final salary pensions to a less-generous Career average revalued earnings (Care) scheme.

Unite national officer for food and drink, Jennie Formby, said: ”Our members on all Unilever sites are furious at the planned attacks on their pensions. Unilever is a very profitable and successful company to which the workforce has richly contributed over many years.

”With annual UK sales of nearly €2.5bn, this is a company that can well afford a final salary pension scheme.

“In 2008 changes were made to the pension scheme that our members were promised made it safe for the future, yet just three years later management want to do more to drive down the cost of providing pensions.

”It is morally wrong that the dedication of our members that has created the company’s wealth should be repaid in such a mean-spirited fashion that will devastate the retirement incomes of a loyal workforce and the communities in which they live.

”Unilever must have an urgent rethink on this issue and Unite will campaign very hard to ensure that happens.”

Unilever is responsible for a range of household brands including PG Tips, Marmite, Dove, Comfort and Surf.