Asda has 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, who are outraged by the company’s proposals. Feelings are running high, which is demonstrated by us collecting so many petition signatures in just over a week. Staff are still signing up to voice their opposition to the plans to worsen their pension and life assurance employee benefit package and call on the company to withdraw the proposals.
“Usdaw believes that to worsen the current terms and conditions of the scheme is unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary. 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.
“At today’s meeting, Usdaw will be calling on Asda to withdraw these changes and engage in meaningful talks to find a way forward.” |
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