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Workers at pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, including in Cheshire, have voted by almost 3-1 to go on strike in a row over pensions, it has been announced.
The GMB said dates for industrial action will be set later this week unless the company reopened negotiations over planned changes to its pension scheme.
The union had recommended a yes vote after accusing the company of planning “draconian” proposals to end its final salary pension scheme for 2,500 staff based mainly at Macclesfield.
GMB national officer Allan Black said: “This clear mandate for a strike in the midst of the current economic circumstances ought to be a wake up call to AstraZeneca to resume negotiations.
“The company need to return to the negotiating table as a matter of urgency. They have to understand that unless they take this opportunity then strike action will be held.
“There will be a meeting of shop stewards later this week to fix dates for industrial action unless the company come back to the negotiating table with meaningful terms.”
Copyright Press Association 2010
