24/10/2005

BP staff to strike over pensions

A group of oil tanker drivers at BP have voted to take strike action over pension rights later this week.

The Transport and General Workers Union said that the 74 drivers would walk out on a five-day strike from this Friday.

The dispute began when the workers were transferred to BP from Exel earlier this month, but did not retain their final salary pensions. The workers claimed that BP had offered them a money purchase scheme, which they described as “inferior”.

TGWU national secretary Ron Webb described the situation as a “disgrace”. He said: “If a final salary pension is good enough for BP boss Lord Browne, it’s good enough for our members.”

Final talks aimed at averting the planned strike are due to take place with BP managers on Wednesday.

Mr Webb urged BP to resolve the issues before the strike began.

(KMcA/SP)

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