Usdaw says Unilever pensions strike is absolutely solid

Date: 9 December 2011

Usdaw says the first 24 hour strikes held at Unilever's manufacturing sites in Leeds and Port Sunlight have both been absolutely solid.

Usdaw members, who voted 5 to 1 in favour of strike action to defend their final salary pension scheme, today joined members of Unite and GMB in the first ever national strike to hit the company.

David Johnson, Usdaw National Officer said:

"I've been on the picket line at both Leeds and Port Sunlight today and can report that the strike is absolutely solid. The support we've had locally and from across the country has been tremendous and it is very much appreciated by our members."

"While our members would much rather be in work than be forced into this position by Unilever's intransigence, the atmosphere on the picket lines at both sites is fantastic and there is a tangible feeling of solidarity and quiet determination among everyone involved."

"Unilever's petty decision to withdraw Christmas parties, gifts and bonuses has been greeted with derision by our members, although most are extremely pleased to hear that charities are going to benefit from their strike action today."

Notes for Editors:

1. Usdaw represents workers at Unilever's manufacturing facilities at Port Sunlight in Wirral and Seacroft in Leeds. Members of GMB and Unite based at other Unilever facilities and sites located around the country are also taking industrial action.
2. Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and fastest growing trade union with over 410,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last 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.