Joint trade unions at ITV have decided to call a ballot for strike action if the broadcaster carries out its threat to close its final salary pension scheme.
Bectu, Amicus and the NUJ are angry that the firm is looking to make changes shortly after a round of job cuts and outsourcing.
ITV recently advised the unions that it wished to look at changes to its pension scheme, including replacing the final salary scheme with a career average scheme; changing the accrual rate; harmonising the retirement age at 63 (some staff have a retirement age of 60 and others 65; and increasing members’ contributions.
The company also advised the unions that it wished to reduce its employers’ contribution to the scheme.
Gerry Morrissey, Bectu’s assistant general secretary, said: “We are prepared to enter into meaningful negotiations with ITV, but we will not rubber-stamp its pension proposals and significantly worsen our members’ employment package.
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“We hope ITV will reflect on its proposals. However, if they persist, we will not be afraid to call our members out on strike.”
ITV management wants to introduce the changes from April. The company closed its final salary pension scheme to new joiners several years ago.
