Honeywell UK Workers Ballot for Strike over Pension Cuts to Chemical Industry

Honeywell's acquisition of Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies has left its UK workforce seething. Workers at sites in Clitheroe, Lancashire; Billingham and Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham; are being balloted for strike action over pension cuts.

The union Unite claims that workers were lied to when they were told Honeywell's pension provision was 'broadly comparable' to their former employer. However, under Honeywell, many workers will see a nine percent drop in employer pension contributions and significantly lower death-in-service cover.

The workers produce catalysts for industries including ammonia, methanol, and oil and gas. Strikes would impact clients such as BP, Equinor, Linde, Shell, thyssenkrupp Uhde, DG Fuels, and USA BioEnergy.