Nissan workers protest at Sunderland plant over changes to pension scheme

By Sophie Brownson
Published 11th Jul 2020, 16:22 BST
Updated 11th Jul 2020, 16:23 BST
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Nissan workers staged a march and rally at the Sunderland plant in protest over changes to their pensions.

The company, which employs around 6,000 staff on Wearside, has confirmed it is entering into consultations over closing its final salary pension scheme.

Around 1,500 workers at the plant would be affected if proposals to move them on to an alternative pension plan are approved.

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The Japanese-owned car giant has said the consultation will continue over the summer and feedback from employees will help to shape its outcome.

Workers protest at Nissan over proposed pension changes.Workers protest at Nissan over proposed pension changes.
Workers protest at Nissan over proposed pension changes.

On Saturday, more than 100 workers joined representatives from Unite the Union in holding a demonstration in the first rally held outside the plant since it opened in 1984.

Unite the Union has warned the changes have the potential to lead to the first industrial action at Nissan in Sunderland.

It is calling for a compensation package for the affected workers.

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Steve Bush, national officer for Unite the Union, said: “The purpose of today’s march and rally is to send a clear message to the management of Nissan and Nissan Europe that they won’t be allowed to just take away the pension that has been built up over many years through the hard work and dedication of the workforce here.