Unilever strike: Reports from Salford and Burton

09 December

SALFORD

APPROXIMATELY 40 workers turned out on the picket line at Unilever Trafford Park this morning. They were supporting the strike against Unilever's plans to force a move from a Final Salary Pensions Scheme to one based on a Career Average Salary. Pickets talked about Unilever's huge profits and how their greed has forced them into industrial action for the first time in 80 years. Sheena Mitchell, Senior UNITE Steward - "We we're promised in 2008 that Unilever would keep our Final Salary pensions scheme with increased contributions. There is no need to do this. It's just pure corporate greed." Pickets spoke of their desire to coordinate any future action with that of public sector workers fighting to protect their pension.


BURTON-ON-TRENT

NUT rep Chris Parton was well received by Unilever workers on strike today in Burton-on-Trent when he visited their picket line to pass on a message of support from National Shop Stewards Network Staffordshire.

The Unilever Unite rep knew of the growing reputation of the NSSN and allowed Chris to speak to a group of workers. One of the main things that Chris said was, “I want to stress the importance of uniting both public and private sector workers if we are to win our struggles to defend our pensions.”

Responding to Unilever's plans to close the Final Salary pension scheme Unite said; “Shutting down the scheme will wash the retirement plans of 5,000 workers down the drain - one worker has already estimated he will lose a massive £150,000 from his pension pot if he lives for just 15 years after he retires!”
This attack is taking place as Unilever announced an increase in pre tax profits at the beginning of 2011 up to a massive £5.2 billion!

But Unilever worker's fight back along with their trade unions, Unite, Usdaw and GMB has now started with their first ever national strike action. All workers must support their fight!
This government want to divide workers over pensions by pitting public against private sector but all workers' pensions are under attack. We need to build links between public and private sector workers to stop the attacks on all pensions. We need to fight together!

It's vital that the TUC name a date for the next public sector general strike action by the end of January. Already Unison Scotland has voted unanimously for a further day of coordinated action on 25 January.

If Unilever do not back down over their attacks on pensions then Unite, GMB and USDAW who represent Unilever workers could co-ordinate their next strike action with that of public sector workers.

NSSN activists have an important role to play by getting resolutions passed in their union branches and with petitions etc to put pressure on our union leaders to organise further coordinated strike action to include private sector workers where possible.

You can also support Unilever workers as they battle against this attack on pensions by;

Email your message of support to: [email protected]
Send a protest letter to Unilever to stop these pension changes - click here to download a template letter or alternatively click here to email CEO Paul Polman directly