Further strike action planned at Peugeot

London, February 17 -- Amicus, Britain’s largest private sector union can today (17/02/03) announce that further strike action is planned from the 7th-10th March 2003 over the continuing Pay and Pensions dispute at Peugeot.

At a meeting today Shop Stewards from Amicus decided to call further strike action following last weeks 36-hour strike.

The strike action that is planned for March will cover all four shifts currently worked at Peugeot and will disrupt production over a four-day period. "It's not acceptable that Peugeot who have posted a large increase in profits in 2002 are seeking a sub standard Pay deal for our members. A pay deal that includes taking a sizeable chunk of the increase away to fund pensions that Amicus members already pay for." said Derek Simpson, Amicus Joint General Secretary

Last weeks strike and the planned strike in March is over a company two year pay offer that is below the industry norm and includes permanently increasing employee contributions to the pension scheme by 1%.

Peugeot recently announced an increase in profits of 9% in 2002 which is fuelling the anger felt by union members over the company's offer that gives with one hand and takes away with the other.

Amicus National Secretary Duncan Simpson said,

"The strike action that we are planning for March will disrupt production in Peugeot in the UK over a four-day period."

"However, before this we would like to meet with Peugeot Chief Jean-Martin Folz to explain to him the reason why feelings amongst Amicus members are running so high."

"Lets get this meeting arranged so that we can try and break the deadlock in the dispute. Lets get back round the table for the long term good of both employee and company."

For further information please contact: Brian Harris +44 07798 531 014

National Media & Industrial Campaigns Officer Tel: +44 020 7505 3272(work); +44 07798 531 014(mobile) Fax: +44 020 7505 3020; email: brian.harris@amicus-m.org

****Please note that from 1st January 2002, our union has changed its name to AMICUS, MSF Section. My email address has been changed as per above.*****