Pensions disputes

Members of broadcasting union BECTU and the NUJ journalists' union at news provider ITN were balloted in the run up to Christmas on the possibility of strike action to defend their final salary pension rights.

Bus drivers at First Leeds cancelled further strike action in late December while more talks took place over company plans to cap future pension contributions to inflation. T&G regional industrial organiser Phil Brown said if this happened, members of the final salary scheme would not get their full benefits as contributions would not be based on their full salary.