BMW UK workers end strike threat, accepts revised pension

BMW UK workers at MINI and Rolls Royce plants were reported to be striking over pension disputes with the German automaker. Unite, the union backing BMW UK employees, threatened even more strikes last month when BMW’s previous pension plan offer was rejected. Now, both parties received an amicable agreement as BMW has revised its pension offer to UK employees. The latter has accepted the revised pensions and the strike threat has finally come to an end.

“We believe that our pension proposals are fair and will help to ensure our competitiveness as a business, which is ultimately in the long-term interest of all our employees.” said a BMW spokesperson in a recent statement.

The offer seems to be very good as 80% of the Unite members have approved of the new pension plan. It now offers up to £25,000 in transitional payments. BMW UK employees will be a part of a defined contribution scheme starting October 2017, which has a company contribution of up to 16 percent.

“It’s testament to the resolve of Unite members and their solidarity that the carmaker was forced to more than triple these payments and give additional guarantees.” said Fred Hanna, Unite national officer.

It is such a nice ending to a very chaotic situation. Thankfully, both parties are happy with the agreement. The UK employees are vital to the development of MINI and Rolls Royce.

Source: BBC