NUJ threatens ‘summer of action’ over AP pensions dispute
Staff at Associated Press and Associated Press Television News have announced that they are to stage two days of strikes which the NUJ warns could herald the start of a “summer of action” after their employer moved to close its final salary pension scheme.
For 24 hrs from 7am on June 11th and June 16th staff will walk out in a bid to force their employers to offer “sustainable quality pension provision”.
Union officials have described as “inadequate” moves by the AP to move toward a defined contribution scheme.
Among NUJ members at APTN there was a 100% cent vote for strike action and at AP 87.5%. The turnout was 79.5% at APTN and 80% at AP. There was an 88% vote for strike action among Bectu members at APTN.
In a joint statement, Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, and Gerry Morrissey, Bectu general secretary, said: "Members have made it clear this is not a short term dispute. They are committed to improving pension provision at AP for the long term. The unions want to negotiate a settlement to this dispute. The dedicated staff at AP and APTN do not deserve the poor replacement pension on offer with a much reduced employer contribution.”
In a statement the AP said: "After receiving acceptance, in principle, from the Trustees of the UK pension plans to freeze its defined benefit pension plan effective June 30, 2012, AP is now in a 60-day consultation period with staff. The change will affect about 200 employees.
"Like other news organizations and businesses in recent years, AP can no longer offer a defined benefits program as it moves forward amid global economic challenges and continued disruption in the media business. AP is an independent news organization and receives no government or other support. It is solely reliant on the licensing of its content to support its staff in their newsgathering mission. AP’s defined benefits program in the United States was replaced by a defined contribution plan a year ago, in June of 2011.
"We expect to meet our service obligations as usual, with no disruptions."