chemicals - strikes over pensions
WORKERS, SEPTEMBER 2003 ISSUE
Workers at Rhoda, a French-owned chemical company, have begun a series of rolling strikes over plans to scrap the final salary scheme for new employees. The company's plan comes after it has taken substantial and lengthy "pensions holidays" (where the employer makes no or reduced contributions) over a number of years. GMB and Amicus members are taking action at plants in Widnes, Cheshire and Oldbury.
The workforce has seen through the company's tactic of trying to split the old and new workers by offering them different terms and conditions. There is unity across all age groups and the understanding that solidarity will protect workers both now and in the future.