Union to fight Nestle pensions move
15 Mar 2010
London – The GMB trade union has attacked plans by multinational food giant Nestlé to alter the pension schemes of its UK workforce. The company operates 15 manufacturing sites across the UK where its makes brands, such as Nescafé, Kit Kat, Carnation, Shredded Wheat and Buxton Water.
According to the union, the company is planning to “destroy” the existing final salary pension schemes; dramatically increases member contributions in the future; and cut the value of Nestle pension provision by around 30%.
“A formal 60 day consultation period starts on 17th March 2010 but the company’s vicious intentions are clearly spelt out in the documentation they have circulated to their employees and trade unions,” said Allan Black, GMB national officer.
“This is a company that is planning to pay back billions of Swiss Francs to its shareholders. These savage attacks on its employees’ pensions will provoke a furious reaction from our members.”
The GMB claims to be is the largest trade union in Nestlé with members in factories in Newcastle, York and Girvan and at the Head office in Croydon. GMB members employed at Nestle in Halifax, Castleford, Tutbury in Staffordshire, Dalston in Cumbria and Hayes in West London will also be affected by these proposed cuts.
