Over 400 offshore members back improved pension deal
Unite can confirm that over 400 offshore members employed by Bilfinger UK Limited have overwhelmingly backed a new improved pension offer.
Due to the threat of 48-hour strike action by Bilfinger workers, the company returned to the negotiating table to make the offer which led to the suspension of action as workers voted on the proposed deal.
The accepted offer will now see Bilfinger increase the company’s contributions to the pension scheme from three per cent on gross earnings up to five per cent with no thresholds applied to the payments.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “By being prepared to take strike action our offshore members brought Bilfinger back to the table to make a fair pension offer. This deal will see millions of pounds each year being put into workers’ pockets.”
“This is an important win which shows that Unite continues to deliver better jobs, pay and conditions for offshore workers.”
Hundreds of workers were losing thousands of pounds in pension contributions due to their pattern of pay being weekly.
Paula Buchan, Unite industrial officer, said: “The excellent pension deal delivered by Unite was only achieved because of the strength and unity shown across the workforce. This dispute proves that collective action and by sticking together workers can achieve real improvements at work.”
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