Union calls for action on final-salary pensions

Manufacturing and finance union Amicus used a special conference in London earlier this month to launch a national action plan on pensions.

The plan, which is being circulated to the union's workplace reps and shop stewards includes five pointers for trade unionists concerned about the future of their company scheme. The key points explain to reps:

* how to spot warning signs;

* whom to contact if the scheme appears under threat;

* how to get information on schemes;

* negotiating over pensions as pay; and

* if necessary, organising industrial action to defend their pension rights.

Apart from mobilising its reps and members Amicus is also looking for a number of major changes in legislation and on taxation.

It is considering a legal challenge over the lack of adequate legislation to protect the pensions of workers at insolvent companies. Amicus argues that members can often be left with tiny pensions even after years of contributing to a scheme and that the government is not providing the level of protection required under the European Union's Insolvency Directive.

The union also wants to see greater tax breaks for pension funds and, in line with the TUC's "Pay up for pensions" campaign, is arguing for compulsory pension contributions for both employees (equivalent to 5% of earnings) and employers (10% of earnings).

Joint general secretary Roger Lyons said: "This is a national crisis and Amicus is mobilising its membership to be vigilant in every single workplace in the country."