On the eve of the second ever strike at Unilever’s UK operations, Unite has released a film today (see above) revealing the truth behind the “dirty” tactics being used to undermine the pensions of the workforce.
“Unilever – not as clean as it claims” reveals how the world’s third largest consumer products company pays its CEO Paul Polman 285 times more than the average worker yet is forcing through plans that will see UK workers’ pensions fall by between 20 and 40 per cent. Unite says this is a continuation of a global strategy which has seen the company cut jobs and pursue ruthless outsourcing in order to generate wealth for its executives at the expense of the workforce.
Unite is urging viewers to send a simple message to CEO Paul Polman, which is “it is time for you to talk”.
On Wednesday January 18th workers will begin a programme of 11 days of strike action right across the UK operation, hitting production of leading brands from Pot Noodle to Marmite, Persil to Dove. The workers are furious that the company is planning to ditch their final salary pension scheme despite earlier assurance to the workforce that it would be retained and the company’s point-blank refusal to discuss alternatives with the workers’ unions.
Strike action begins at 06:59 hours on Wednesday, 18th January, running until 24:00 hours on Saturday, 28th January, 2012. This action follows Unilever cancelling planned Christmas celebration for workers taking part in their fight ever strike action last month to defend their pension scheme.
Reiterating the call for Unilever to discuss the pension through conciliation service ACAS, Unite national officer, Jennie Formby said: “The hard working workforce made Unilever into the global giant it is today but consumers will soon know the company better for its greedy pensions snatch than its products.
“This film will be a best seller – it will be viewed millions of times. We urge shoppers to watch it and support workers in their fight to protect the pensions promises made to them.
“Unilever need to clean up their act. Get back round the table before you ruin the business’ reputation for good.”
The strikes will hit the following plants and products:
• Purfleet – Hellmann’s mayonnaise, Flora
• Trafford Park – PG Tips tea
• Burton – Marmite
• Norwich – Coleman’s mustard and sauces
• Crumlin, Wales – Pot Noodle
• Leeds – Dove Deodorant, Lynx, Sure
• Port Sunlight – fabric – Comfort, Persil
• Warrington – Persil, Omo
• Gloucester – Wall’s Ice Cream
The other sites involved in strike action – Unilever UK (Central Resources) Ltd are:
• Port Sunlight – R&D site
• St David’s Park (Near Ewloe in Wales) – IT site
• Colworth, Bedford – R&D site
STRIKE SITES, DATES AND TIMES
Purfleet Factory
London Road,
Purfleet,
Essex, RM19 1SD
Times:
Commencing at 07:00 hours on Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Concluding at 06:59 hours on Thursday, 19 January, 2012
Commencing at 07:00 hours on Thursday, 19 January, 2012
Concluding at 06:59 hours on Friday, 20 January, 2012
Commencing at 07:00 hours on Friday, 20 January, 2012
Concluding at 06:59 hours on Saturday, 21 January, 2012
Commencing at 07:00 hours on Monday, 23 January, 2012
Concluding at 06:59 hours on Tuesday, 24 January, 2012
Trafford Park Factory
Trafford Park Road,
Trafford Park,
Manchester, M17 1NH
Time:
Commencing at 21:50 hours on Thursday, 19 January, 2012
Concluding at 20:49 hours on Friday, 20 January, 2012
Commencing at 06:50 hours on Sunday, 22 January, 2012
Concluding at 18:49 hours on Sunday, 22 January, 2012
Port Sunlight Factory
Port Sunlight,
Wirral,
Merseyside, CH62 4ZD
Time:
Commencing at 18:00 hours on Friday, 20 January, 2012
Concluding at 17:59 hours on Saturday 21 January, 2012
Gloucester Factory
Corinium Avenue,
Barnwood,
Gloucester, GL4 3BW
Time:
Commencing at 06:30 hours on Wednesday, 25 January, 2012
Concluding at 06:29 hours on Thursday, 26 January, 2012
Crumlin Factory
Croespenmaen Industrial Estate,
Crumlin,
Gwent, NP11 3AG
Time:
Commencing at 06:00 hours on Thursday, 26 January, 2012
Concluding at 06:00 hours on Friday , 27 January, 2012
Commencing at 06:00 hours on Saturday, 28 January, 2012
Concluding at 23:59 hours on Saturday , 28 January, 2012
Warrington Factory
2 Liverpool Road,
Warrington,
Cheshire, WA5 1AA
Time:
Commencing at 06:00 hours on Wednesday 18 January, 2012
Concluding at 05:59 hours on Friday 20 January, 2012
Burton Factory
Wellington Road,
Burton-on-Trent,
Staffordshire, DE14 2AB
Time:
Commencing at 05:00 hours on Wednesday 25 January, 2012
Concluding at 04:59 hours on Thursday 26 January, 2012
Norwich Factory
Coleman’s of Norwich,
Carrow,
Norwich, NR1 2DD
Time:
Commencing at 06:00 hours Wednesday, 18 January, 2012
Concluding at 05:59 hours Thursday, 19 January 2012
Leeds Factory
Coal Road,
Seacroft,
Leeds, LS14 2AR
Time:
Commencing at 18:00 hours on Friday, 20 January, 2012
Concluding at 17:59 hours Saturday, 21 January, 2012
Port Sunlight Research & Development site
Quarry Road East
Bebington,
Wirral,
Merseyside, CH63 3JW
Time:
24 hour stoppage commencing at 00:01 hours on Wednesday, 18 January, 2012
Unilever Europe IT
Unity House,
St David’s Park,
Ewloe, Deeside
Time:
Commencing at 07:00 hours on Wednesday, 18 January, 2012
Concluding at 06:59 hours on Thursday, 19 January, 2012
Colworth Research &Development site
Colworth Science Park,
Sharnbrook,
Bedford, MK44 1LQ
Time:
24 hour stoppage commencing at 00:01 hours on Wednesday, 18 January, 2012
