GMB members at the Hurdsfield site in Macclesfield will take the third day of strike action against AstraZeneca on pensions tomorrow.
A series of three 4 hour strikes will be held throughout the day, starting at 8.30am and finishing at 1.30am on Friday. These follow the three strikes of two hours duration which took place on September 8th and three strikes of four hours duration last Wednesday, 15th September. As yet no strike action has taken place at Alderley Park.
The strikes arise from the company's decision to impose cuts to its defined benefit (final salary) pension scheme. GMB members at the giant Macclesfield manufacturing site, AstraZeneca's second largest site in the world, voted by more than 70% to strike for the first time in the history of the plant.
Talks on the Company's pension proposals were held over a three month period earlier this year and because AZ is a multi-national company the GMB has enlisted the support of Unions across Europe and beyond.
Allan Black GMB National Officer said, "It has been necessary for the members to take this third day of strike action as the company have made no attempt to negotiate or even discuss the matter with GMB.
"This hugely profitable company is attacking GMB members' pensions while its Chief Executive, David Brennan, has reached third in the UK league of the top boss's pension entitlements. When he retires based on today's figures, Mr Brennan will enjoy a pension of more than £17,500 per week.
"GMB members are going on strike because of the decision to freeze their pensionable pay. It is another case of boardroom greed and a culture which is summed up by 'do as I say not as I do'. GMB again urge the company to return to the negotiation table with to resolve this issue."
A continuous overtime ban will also begin at 8.30 tomorrow morning and further action will be announced in due course.
