We understand Corus is issuing a briefing about the situation concerning Pensions and the Lump Sum Bonus.
Their briefing is entirely misleading and is a deliberate attempt to undermine the discussions that your reps will be having tomorrow. Their propaganda is destructive.
Let us be very clear about our position
We object to the company’s decision to close the BSPS to new entrants as we believe it is the thin end of the wedge that will inevitably lead to total closure of the scheme.
The company claims they consulted but despite all the responses that you and your colleagues sent in – all objecting to their proposal – they ignored your views. This is totally unacceptable.
With reference to the meeting of 2nd September, Phil Dryden, on behalf of ExCo indicated that he would consult with his colleagues about the pensions issue and respond to the national officers accordingly.
To date, we have had no response from Phil Dryden. So for the company to say that the unions refused to discuss the bonus schemes or anything else is an outright lie and a clear attempt to mislead you.
Corus should still be paying the bonus. We have made this entirely clear to them.
We are preparing legal action that will force them to pay the bonus. Your bonus payments are not and have never been based on profit.
Bonus terms and payments have always rolled over until new terms could be agreed. Management have broken this custom and practice of 30 years – robbing you of your rightful entitlement to a bonus payment.
Your representatives are meeting in London tomorrow to discuss what the unions should do next. The mood of the meeting will not be helped by the company’s attempts to interfere in those discussions by issuing propaganda. Ultimately, what action the unions take will be your decision as a member.
Roy Rickhuss, National Officer