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BMW/PENSIONS Find out more HERE Strike threat stays


Talks between Unite and BMW over the carmaker’s plans to close the defined benefit pension scheme are set to continue – but the threat of industrial action remains, Unite warned in February.


The proposed closure of the final salary pension scheme by May 31, 2017 could result in car workers making the iconic Mini and Rolls-Royce motor cars losing as much as £140,000 over the course of


BANKS HSBC jobs slash


It was a ‘dark day’ for the HSBC workforce after the bank announced its decision in January to close 117 bank branches leaving 176 jobs at risk – and cut a further 204 IT staff – 380 jobs in all.


“Unite is deeply concerned that this large branch closure programme will


FERRIES


be devastating not only for staff but also for the loyal HSBC customers who will lose their community branch,” said Unite national officer Dominic Hook.


“Unite is again calling on the banking industry to rethink such branch culling exercises.”


The IT job losses were a result of the majority of the roles from the UK being offshored to India, China and Poland.


Unite will be pressing HSBC to ensure that there are no compulsory job losses made as a result of the branch closures


Find out more HERE Ferry strikes suspended


Progress was made in the Woolwich Ferry dispute talks in February, with further action being suspended for talks to develop.


“Enough progress was made for the unions to suspend the forthcoming planned 24-hour strike,” said Unite regional officer Onay Kasab.


“However, we do reserve the right to take further industrial action, should a settlement not be reached,” he added. Further 24-hour stoppages are scheduled to for March and April.


their retirement.


Said Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, “We trust the company will engage positively with Unite in finding a solution that safeguards car workers’ pensions and works well for the business.”


But he warned, “BMW should be under no illusion though. A failure to speedily


respond to the points we have raised and negotiate meaningfully in finding a solution will result in a ballot for industrial action in the near future.”


The hard work and efficiency BMW’s UK workforce has contributed hugely to BMW’s record breaking profits of approximately £6bn enabling the carmaker to lavish nearly £2bn of dividends on shareholders.


Find out more HERE


Mark Thomas


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