Marmite worker takes the pension battle to Europe

A MARMITE worker has taken his campaign against company pension changes to the continent.

protesters at the demonstration outside the Unilever European headquarters in Rotterdam.

Jim Griffiths, from Stapenhill, travelled with a 40-strong delegation from the Unite trade union to demonstrate outside the Unilever European headquarters in Rotterdam.

The 49-year-old has been a key figure in the protests against Unilever’s decision to scrap the company’s final salary pension scheme in the UK.

He joined up with the activists from Occupy and Dutch union FNV to protest about changes to pensions, pay and company profits at the consumer goods giant in the Netherlands.

“We hoped to show Unilever it’s not too late to change its attitude towards people,” he said.

“I believe Lottery-win salaries and sharp practice have turned a once-contented multi-national with a family feel into one of unrest and mistrust.

“Some say Unilever is tightening its belt and simply profiting from the financial instability and austerity we are enduring.”

The firm’s controversial decision to scrap its final pension salary scheme led to two 24-hour walkouts at the Marmite factory in Wellington Road, Burton.

Unilever has argued that the old pension scheme was unsustainable in the current climate, and that a career average earnings scheme was a fair offer.

After two days of high-level talks between union leaders and company bosses earlier this month, the Mail understands workers are set to be consulted on a new deal.

The unions say some workers could be up to 40 per cent out of pocket.

Mr Griffiths said he hoped the latest protest would keep up the pressure on Unilever chiefs.

“Groups from all over Europe came to take part, all with the same concerns over Unilever’s recent conduct,” he said.

“The message there was a strong one — don’t make your workforce pay for your profits.

“A couple of hundred converged to take part in a very noisy protest with a drumming band, whistles and vuvuzelas.

“It’s obvious to even the casual observer, solidarity throughout Europe has never been stronger, united as one.”