Workers at Wm Morrison Supermarkets have voiced their displeasure at the supermarket’s plans to change how much it contributes to its workers' pension schemes.
Under the new changes, Morrisons’ hourly paid workers will have to contribute 5% while the employer pays 3%, a switch from the previous 3% by the employee and 5% by Morrisons.
Usdaw, a union representing supermarket workers, said it was both “angry and disappointed” that Morrisions had ignored its opinions and instead decided to go along with the reforms.
Additionally, Morrisons will reduce its life cover for hourly paid employees, with workers no longer receiving a bonus after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service.
Darren Matthews, a Usdaw national officer said: “The company claims that these changes are due to upcoming government reforms, despite the fact that there has been no actual timetable announced for these changes.
“As such we do not believe that Morrisons need to make these changes and we are not aware of any other retailers who are looking at similar reforms.”
Morrisons defended these adjustments, claiming it was part of a broader investment in workforce benefits like maternity pay, staff discounts and carers’ leave policies.
“While Morrisons are making some minor improvements to other staff benefits, the loss of the Long Service Award on every fifth anniversary will negatively impact thousands of Morrisons staff. This is a change that we were neither consulted on nor advised of ahead of the announcement,” Matthews added.
Morrisons has been undergoing a series of changes since losing market share to discounters Lidl and Aldi in 2023.
Last week, the supermarket said it would be scrapping its four-day week.
Earlier in January, private equity owners CD&R said it would be selling the Morrisons forecourt business, worth around £2.5 billion, to its other petrol forecourt company Motor Fuel Group.