 Imerys says changes to the pension scheme are "necessary" |
One of the region's biggest private employers is facing the threat of industrial action. About 1,700 workers at clay company Imerys sites in Devon and Cornwall are to be balloted on Tuesday over cuts to their pension.
The French-owned firm has closed its final salary scheme to new entrants and reduced pension benefits for existing members by a third.
But Imerys says the changes are needed to protect the pension fund.
'Real possibility'
Leaders of the Transport & General Workers' Union (T&G) say industrial action is the likely outcome if the firm does not back down.
Union leaders are travelling to Paris next week to lobby the company's annual meeting.
Jennie Formby, T&G national secretary, said: "Industrial action in the UK over Imerys' pension cuts is a real possibility.
"Shareholders will know the impact action could have."
Kate Lyne, Imerys senior human resources manager, says it is a bad time for production to be disrupted.
She said: "The company is in a difficult situation in the UK so the consequences of potential industrial action on Imerys are serious."
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