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ASDA's pension cuts are unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary says Usdaw

Date: 24 January 2018 Shopworkers trade union Usdaw is putting up strong opposition to planned changes to the ASDA pension scheme. ASDA is currently running a 60 day consultation on proposed changes to the pension plan that will affect staff by:
  • them having less choice about saving for their retirement,
  • the company no longer matching staff pension contributions, opting to pay less than staff into the scheme,
  • the death in service provision reducing from 4 times pay to 1 times pay for everyone.
Michala Lafferty – Usdaw Area Organiser says: “Usdaw is the trade union for ASDA staff in Northern Ireland. We utterly oppose plans to worsen the terms of the pension and life assurance employee benefit package and call on the company to withdraw their proposals.

“We understand that there must be statutory changes to the pension, but ASDA has seen this as an opportunity to make additional changes in order to save money at the expense of staff, rather than take an opportunity for the company to improve their pension offering. This is a slap in the face for our members.

“Usdaw believes that to worsen the current terms and conditions of the scheme is unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary.  Usdaw takes issue not only with the reduction in current contributions or the drastic reduction in death in service benefit, but also the lack of choice for a colleague contained within the proposed contribution structure.

“Pensions are not a bonus or gift – they are based on earnings and are effectively deferred wages. Usdaw believes it is an entitlement and we view this proposal as nothing more than a wage cut.

“Our members are already reacting negatively to this proposal. We are calling on the company to withdraw these changes and engage in meaningful talks with Usdaw to find a way forward.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers