A union has slammed Nissan's 'opportunistic' plans to scrap a benefits pension scheme for hundreds of workers at its Sunderland plant.
Unite says members have been left angry by the announcement which it says will have a 'damaging impact' on members' plans and financial security in retirement.
The Sunderland site, which employs 6,000 people, has recently been given a vote of confidence by Nissan chiefs, with production confirmed to recommence on June 8.
President and CEO Makoto Uchida announced the company intends to improve efficiencies at the site – but also confirmed the firm’s sister plant in Barcelona will close, resulting in around 3,000 job losses.
The news came as Nissan revealed huge losses in its 2019 financial year – and predicted a further decline. Last year the firm saw global volumes slide 6.9%, with Europe hit hardest within its worldwide markets with a fall of 19.1%.
Unite warned Nissan last week that a planned efficiency drive must not impact on members' jobs and terms and conditions.
But the car manufacturer says the level of company investment needed to maintain the pension plan has grown to 'unsustainable levels'.
Unite national officer for automotive Steve Bush said: "Nissan’s plan to close the defined benefits pension scheme for hundreds of loyal workers is extremely disappointing.
"The Unite convenor for Nissan Sunderland, as well as the union’s deputy convenor, have spoken to members today and have passed on their anger at this decision to Nissan’s management.
"Unite warned last week that proposed efficiency savings at the Sunderland plant must not be used as an excuse to attack staff terms and conditions.
"Due to the timing we see this as an opportunistic attempt to push through long sought-after changes that will have a damaging impact on our members’ plans and financial security in retirement.
"Unite will not stand by and let this happen, especially when Nissan has signalled that an industry standard lump sum provided in return for accepting the closure of defined benefit schemes is also off the table.
"Unite is more than willing to help Nissan recalibrate to a changing world but this must not come at the expense of our members’ jobs, terms and conditions or other benefits.
"In the coming days we will be seeking our members' views and be sitting down with the company to find a positive way forward for all."
A Nissan spokesman said the firm is in discussions with the affected employees and their representatives about the proposed closure of the plan.
They added: "We aim to provide competitive benefits to our highly valued staff, but these have to be balanced with the long term sustainability of our business. The level of company investment needed to maintain the defined benefit pension plan has grown to unsustainable levels.
“This planned consultation is not a short-term action. It is based on the formal valuation of the scheme carried out in April 2018, and is the next step in a long term process."
