Hundreds Of Skilled IT Staff Join Unite @ IBM

Hundreds of highly skilled IBM staff employed at the companies Hursley and Portsmouth sites have joined Unite in the last few weeks as the IT company says it will change their pension scheme which could see upto £200,000 wiped off the value of their pensions.

The IBM site , which employs about 6,000 people in Hampshire at its UK research base at Hursley and its UK headquarters in Portsmouth, want to close the final salary pension scheme and alter the terms of its early retirement plan.

Unite says hundreds of IBM workers have been joining-up in readiness to fight the proposals which they claim will have “a devastating effect” on future pensions.

One senior member of staff at IBM, who did not want to be named, said workers no longer trusted the company. “It hasn’t gone down at all well. They are chipping away at employee benefits and people don’t trust what they say any more. In the good times the executives were happy to take money out of the scheme but as soon as there are tough economic times it’s the employees who pick up the tab.”

Unite is organising a series of meetings throughout the UK.

Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “IBM is facing a backlash against its pensions proposals. These highly skilled and experienced staff were key to the company’s survival and they view the company’s proposals as a kick in the teeth. IBM is a highly profitable company with substantial revenues and cash reserves, but is using the recession as a cloak to close its pension schemes to existing members and further line the pockets of its shareholders and senior executives at the expense of its loyal workforce.”

A spokesman for the IT giant said: “IBM is in a process of consultation as required by law during which time employees will have the opportunity to ask questions and send feedback on the proposals. It would be inappropriate to discuss further during this consultation period.” Well, they would say that wouldn't they?