Union claims staff are incensed at plan to close its final salary pension scheme

Barclays workers will vote next month on whether to go on strike over the bank’s decision to close its final salary pension scheme, it emerged today.

Unite, which represents 25,000 Barclays employees, said staff were incensed at proposals to close the scheme to existing members, adding that 90% of Unite members had urged an industrial action ballot.

If members vote in favour, industrial action could be held in September. Unite warned there would be a significant impact on the bank’s services.

Barclays announced plans last month to close its final salary scheme to existing members – a move that would affect 17,000 staff. The plans would not apply to 1,500 of the bank’s top earners.

Derek Simpson, the joint leader of Unite, said: “It is unacceptable that Barclays are proposing this unilateral change to workers’ pensions. Unite members will not stand by as their employer rides roughshod over their retirement security.

“The long-serving and dedicated workforce view this pension proposal as a betrayal by their employer. Consultation with our members has shown the depth of anger over the pension issue. Over 90% of Unite members are demanding a ballot for industrial action over this action by their employer.”

Simpson said the ballot would send a “strong message” to the private sector: “Unite will not accept businesses using the economic downturn as a means to erode the important terms and conditions of our members.” He accused the bank of failing to engage with a number of alternative plans put forward by the union and warned management to rethink the pension plans or face strike action.

A Barclays spokesman said: “We are disappointed that Unite have chosen not to re-engage, having previously walked away from discussions. It is our firm belief that the interests of all stakeholders are best served through continued open dialogue.”

He added: “Barclays stands by the security of pension benefits already built up by employees and is committed to ensuring that pension provision is sustainable, equitable and affordable.

“We will continue to consult and communicate with our employees. In the event that any disruption led by Unite should occur, we will take all necessary steps to deliver continued service to our customers and clients.”

Among the Barclays staff represented by the union are workers at branches, processing centres, call centres, computer centres and Barclaycard centres, plus employees in offshore islands and Gibraltar.