Honeywell Workers Ballot for Strike Action Over Pension Cuts

Honeywell workers in County Durham and Lancashire are being balloted for strike action over pension concerns. Approximately 320 employees at Honeywell sites in Billingham and Stockton-on-Tees, as well as in Clitheroe, will vote on strikes following cuts to their pension schemes. According to Unite, the UK's leading union, employees were assured of a 'broadly comparable' pension plan when Honeywell acquired Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies in July.

However, workers are expected to experience a nine per cent drop in employer pension contributions and reduced death in service cover with Honeywell. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham expressed strong opposition, stating: “These workers were lied to, plain and simple.”

Honeywell's clients, including major companies such as BP, Shell, thyssenkrupp, and DG Fuels, may face shortages of vital chemical products if strikes occur.