Unilever workers have gone on strike against the company's decision to close its final salary pension scheme, trade union Unite has said.
Before Christmas, employees took industrial action for the first time ever when the company announced the plans.
Unilever aims to move 5,000 of its 7,000 staff to a pension based on the average salary throughout their career. The unions say this will cut retirement income for staff by up to 40 per cent.
The strike follows confirmation that workers will take further action across the company's twelve UK sites later this month, hitting production of leading brands including Marmite, Flora, Hellman's mayonnaise and Dove.
Trade union Unite said workers are furious that Unilever punished them for taking strike action last month by cancelling planned Christmas celebrations.
The union is now refusing to meet with the union at mediators ACAS to consider a way through the dispute.
Unilever has said it is "deeply concerned by the disproportionate action" the unions are planning to take".
A spokesman said the decision "was a tough but necessary choice which reflects the realities of rising life expectancy and increased market volatility".
No comments yet