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UNIONS representing thousands of workers at food giant Nestle decided yesterday not to take part in consultations over planned changes to their pension scheme.
Unite and the GMB said they were “totally opposed” to plans to close the defined-benefit scheme, currently offering career-average payouts, and replace it with a defined-contribution or money-purchase scheme.
In a letter to the company, the unions said they were not engaging in the consultation process because it was a “fait accompli.”
They called for the supposed consultation to be suspended in favour of “constructive negotiations” with the workforce.
The unions have already warned of strike action if the changes are forced on workers.
If they are, the career average scheme will be closed to new entrants from 2016 and closed to existing members from the start of 2017.
Nestle, which posted a £10 billion profit last year, said: “We are very sorry that we have to propose these changes but under the circumstances we believe it is the right option.”
