Union leaders have told Tesco staff they will try to overturn the retailer’s plans to scrap its end of salary pension scheme.
An official consultation process between Tesco and Usdaw began today and will run for a minimum of 90 days.
Every member of the pension scheme is due to receive a letter this week from Tesco setting out the reasons for the changes, with CEO Dave Lewis having pledged that it will bring in a competitive defined contribution scheme to replace the existing scheme.
However, Usdaw, which has attracted widespread criticism from Tesco staff for failing to do enough to oppose Tesco’s ongoing staff shake-up, said it would try to get the changes reversed.
“Usdaw would encourage all members of the Tesco Pension Scheme to participate in the consultation process and submit their views and feedback which will form part of the discussions,” said Pauline Foulkes, Usdaw national officer, in a letter to staff.
A group has been set up including Usdaw and Sata representatives from Tesco stores, distribution, customer service centres and Tesco bank to head up negotiations with the retailer.
Foulkes said the group would consider “the rationale for the proposed changes and the business case being put forward” as well as “what can be done to try and maintain the defined benefit pension scheme.”
“There is a legal requirement for Tesco to enter into meaningful consultation with Usdaw regarding this proposal,” said Foulkes. “Usdaw has also appointed independent advisers who will provide an independent view of the company’s proposals.”
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