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18/01/2012
Union Action Over Unilever 40% Pension Chop
Workers from three different unions are to begin a campaign of action against food supplier Unilever, over its plans to cut pensions by up to 40%.
The action has commenced on Wednesday, coinciding with the release of a video by the Unite union revealing "the truth behind the dirty tactics" they say have been used to undermine the pensions of the workforce.
Unilever is one of the largest consumer products companies in the world, and unions say the walkouts would hit the production of brands including Persil, PG Tips, Marmite, Pot Noodle, Lynx, Flora and Wall's ice cream.
Calling on Unilever to discuss the pension through conciliation service Acas, Unite national officer Jennie Formby said: “The hard working workforce made Unilever into the global giant it is today but consumers will soon know the company better for its greedy pensions snatch than its products.
“This film will be a best seller – it will be viewed millions of times. We urge shoppers to watch it and support workers in their fight to protect the pensions promises made to them.
“Unilever needs to clean up its act. Get back round the table before you ruin the business’ reputation for good.”
The film called ’Unilever - not as clean as it reveals Unilever pays its CEO Paul Polman 285 times more than the average worker despite its plans to cut UK workers' pensions by between 20 and 405.
Unite said it was a continuation of a global strategy by the company which has seen the company cut jobs and pursue "ruthless outsourcing" in order to generate wealth for its executives at the expense of the workforce.
(DW)
The action has commenced on Wednesday, coinciding with the release of a video by the Unite union revealing "the truth behind the dirty tactics" they say have been used to undermine the pensions of the workforce.
Unilever is one of the largest consumer products companies in the world, and unions say the walkouts would hit the production of brands including Persil, PG Tips, Marmite, Pot Noodle, Lynx, Flora and Wall's ice cream.
Calling on Unilever to discuss the pension through conciliation service Acas, Unite national officer Jennie Formby said: “The hard working workforce made Unilever into the global giant it is today but consumers will soon know the company better for its greedy pensions snatch than its products.
“This film will be a best seller – it will be viewed millions of times. We urge shoppers to watch it and support workers in their fight to protect the pensions promises made to them.
“Unilever needs to clean up its act. Get back round the table before you ruin the business’ reputation for good.”
The film called ’Unilever - not as clean as it reveals Unilever pays its CEO Paul Polman 285 times more than the average worker despite its plans to cut UK workers' pensions by between 20 and 405.
Unite said it was a continuation of a global strategy by the company which has seen the company cut jobs and pursue "ruthless outsourcing" in order to generate wealth for its executives at the expense of the workforce.
(DW)
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