The dispute concerns workers in the cement business at Rugby, Warwickshire and South Ferriby, North Lincolnshire, as well as drivers and other workers based at a number of sites across the country.
The union is challenging the company over its two pension schemes. Cemex has decided to close the defined benefit (DB) pension scheme to existing members. Unite is also challenging the company over its defined contribution (DC) scheme which was opened to new starters about five years ago. The union believes that the scheme provides inadequate benefits to workers and that two of Cemex's main competitors provide their workers with a better DC scheme.
The union claims that the company has “refused to enter into serious discussions” on the issue and so Unite is consulting with members on strike action.
Unite national officer John Allott said: "Unite is to ask workers at Cemex if they are prepared to take part in an industrial action ballot over pensions. We understand that the status quo is not an option but the company are refusing to negotiate with the union to achieve decent pensions for all its employees. We hope that the company will now get round the table and negotiate in good faith."
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