Argos workers on strike over pension changes (From Echo)

Argos workers on strike over pension changes

8:01pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

ARGOS workers in Basildon went on strike as part of a national rebellion against pension changes.

Workers at the Argos distribution centre in Miles Gray Road set up their picket fences at 6am yesterday morning to begin strike action that will last four days, ending on Saturday.

They are appealing against the end of the final salary pension scheme and the new alternative which would provide a direct link to the stock exchange, where workers’ savings would be at risk dependent on the state of the stock market.

John Hubble, spokesman for the protesters, said: “We feel let down by Argos and strongly oppose these plans. At a recent meeting to discuss these changes 85 per cent of our union members chose to strike and we hope it will make a difference.”

Other distribution centres striking included centres at Bridgwater in Somerset, Magna Park in Lutterworth, Castleford in West Yorkshire and Heywood in Rochdale.

A spokesman for Argos said: “Following a five-month period of collective consultation we are currently engaged in individual consultation with colleagues at our Basildon distribution centre in relation to the closure of the final salary pension scheme and replacing it with new pension arrangements. Despite only 30 per cent of union members voting in favour of industrial action, Unite have decided to proceed with strike action. We have a range of contingency measures to draw on and we are committed to ensuring there is no disruption for our customers.”