Honeywell Workers on Teesside Vote on Strike Action Over Pension Cuts

Chemical workers on Teesside are preparing to vote on strike action due to major pension cuts following the acquisition of Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies by Honeywell in July. The union, Unite, claims that nearly 320 workers will face a reduction of up to nine per cent in employer pension contributions and lower death-in-service benefits compared to their previous scheme.

The affected workers include chemical engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, scientists, and analysts who work at Honeywell's sites in Billingham, Stockton, and Clitheroe. These employees are crucial in producing catalysts for the ammonia, methanol, oil, and gas sectors, supplying products to major industrial companies and energy projects.

Unite warns that industrial action could disrupt supplies to several high-profile operations, including BP's H2Teesside project, Equinor and Linde's H2H Saltend project, Shell's hydrogen purification catalyst operations, and sustainable aviation fuel developments. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Honeywell of misleading workers over their pension arrangements, stating that the company is 'massively wealthy' and can afford to retain pension contributions at their original level.