The Socialist 27 January 2010 Prosecute the war criminal Blair Prosecute the war criminal Blair Bonuses for bankers but recession for workers Outrage against bankers spurs Obama on Unemployment figures don't tell the full story Lewisham Socialist Party prepares for election Support for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) grows Haiti: Survivors shackled by huge debt and poverty Cadbury's bosses opt for a sugary takeover Unison black members reject witch-hunt South Yorkshire fire dispute Negotiations go national Building the fight against education cuts at Leeds Glasgow City Unison fights back against cuts in jobs and services Temperature rises at British Airways Ticket office staff strike again University of Gloucestershire staff fight back Cuts at Cardiff University must be fought PCS members at Hewlett Parkard strike in Lytham St Annes and North Tyneside Seventh day of national strike action at Fujitsu IT |
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Home | The Socialist 27 January 2010 | Join the Socialist Party Visteon pensioners protest Visteon pensioners protest in Wales outside the Welsh parliament, photo Socialist Party wales (Click to enlarge) About 300 Visteon pensioners from Swansea, Basildon & Enfield along with supporting trade unionists protested today outside the Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff. It was staged a day before a Unite delegation of pensioners and a national officer meet Ford executives in New York. Socialist Party WalesOn March 31st last year (years after it was spun-off by Ford Motor Company), Visteon UK went into administration. As a result, 600 workers were sacked on the spot with only statutory redundancy - about £9,000 maximum. However, an incredible campaign of occupations and 24/7 picketing forced Ford to intervene and far superior pay-outs were won. But as one battle ended another opened up because the pension scheme was in deficit and was put into assessment for the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).  Ross Saunders addresses the Visteon pensioners protest in Wales outside the Welsh parliament, photo Socialist Party wales (Click to enlarge) This would mean that for most pensioners, they would suffer a 10% reduction, some far higher. In addition, because the PPF is not guaranteed by the Government and is already £1 billion in deficit, they could suffer far greater losses in future. Even though Swansea was bought by Linamar in 2008, all its pensioners' past pensionable service prior to the takeover were in the Visteon pension fund.  Visteon pensioners protest in Wales outside the Welsh parliament, photo Socialist Party wales (Click to enlarge) The pensioners have since got organised with fellow members in Belfast. This protest marks a new stage in the campaign. Welsh Assembly Members from Labour, Liberals and Plaid Cymru were present. Also, Swansea and Cardiff Trades Councils were there alongside Ross Saunders representing 'Youth Fight for Jobs'. The real impact of going into the PPF has become painfully clear. Pensions are being reduced, with the 'over-payment' since April having to be paid on top. Ex-Swansea Plant health & safety steward Frank Connor told the press that he is losing a quarter of his pension at the moment - £200 per month.  Rob Williams addresses Visteon pensioners protest in Wales outside the Welsh parliament, photo Socialist Party wales (Click to enlarge) Rob Williams reinstated Convenor at the Linamar (ex-Visteon) Swansea Plant and SP member highlighted Ford's hypocrisy - "Ford created Visteon in 2000 and now say its got nothing to do with them. "Why would we transfer our pension over unless they guaranteed our pensions. Ford should pay up and give our pensioners the pension they were promised and deserve. Unite should start legal action immediately if Ford don't agree to pay up." Pay up Ford Visteon pensioners leaflet PDF In this issue
Credit crunch
Socialist Party election campaign
Socialist Party news and analysis
Socialist Party workplace news
Socialist Students
Socialist Party feature Workplace Feature: IT workers in mini strike wave
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