Former Visteon workers fell victim to 'cruel hoax' over pensions, Neath MP claims
A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry has been demanded into what an MP has called "one of the worst pension scandals of all time" affecting thousands of ex Visteon workers.
MPs from across South West Wales have pledged to fight for justice for them.
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Visteon workers protest over lost pensions outside the Sennedd building in Cardiff earlier this year.
Shadow Welsh Secretary and Neath MP Peter Hain claimed they had been the victims of "a cruel hoax".
He, along with MPs Sian James, Hywel Francis and Nia Griffith, attended a meeting in the Houses of Parliament of the Visteon Pension Action Group and are pressing for a special investigation by a powerful Parliamentary Select Committee.
"The Visteon workers are in a unique position of acting in good faith with assurances from one of the biggest corporations in the world, Ford, only to discover it was a cruel hoax," said Mr Hain.
Trade union Unite is already preparing legal action against the Ford Motor Company, claiming it mis-sold pensions to some 3,500 former workers — including 700 at the Jersey Marine plant.
Mr Hain said MPs heard claims that it was only discovered after the workers were transferred that their new pension scheme was under- funded by Ford by £49 million and was now £230 million in deficit. Ford denies this claim.
"Former Visteon workers are the victims of one of the worst pension scandals of all time," Mr Hain added.
Hywel Francis, MP for Aberavon, said: "I attended the meeting in Parliament in support of the Visteon Pensioners Action Group. We will work with other MPs of all parties representing Visteon Pensioners in Basildon, Enfield, Belfast and the Swansea area. We will make representations to ministers and to the Work and Pensions Select Committee to ensure that they get justice."
In a statement, Ford said it met or exceeded its obligations under the 2000 agreement when Visteon became fully independent. The agreement covered the transfer of employees to Visteon UK and their pensions into the Visteon fund.
"The situation for former Visteon UK employees is unfortunate, but the responsibility for administering and funding their terms and conditions was Visteon's, including managing its pension fund. Ford's obligations to its former employees were fully discharged and Ford believes there is no basis for resuming liability for benefits transferred to Visteon."
The statement said Ford had supported Visteon in its efforts to achieve long-term viability.
"Despite this Ford assistance, sustained losses meant that Visteon Corporation took the decision to put Visteon UK into administration in 2009. The impact of this for former employees and retirees is very regrettable; however, the contractual responsibility is with the trustees of Visteon UK's pension fund and the administrator."
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
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by George, Skewen
Friday, September 17 2010, 9:24AM
“Now, Now, Bethan Jenkins AM and you Counillor Wyn-Jones, in fact all of you, how you can expect Mr. Hain be in two place at once? You know he's got to finish writing his books to make some cash now the exes have dried up! In fact that's probably why he's interested now all of a sudden any gatherings he can go round with the begging bowl Shadow? this man is so transparent you could use him for tracing paper!”
by Robodragon, Pontardawe
Friday, September 17 2010, 8:54AM
“Dave Cardiff "Plaid Cymru - Fighting for the right to oppress Welsh workers."
I think this should have read "Plaid Cymru - Fighting for the rights of oppressed Welsh workers!"
Recently NPTCC workers in the care homes had been threatened with privatisation and the losses of wages and rights. Providing full and active support to those workers, residents and members of several Unions were Bethan Jenkins Plaid AM, Plaid County Councilors, Plaid Town Councilors, at marches through Neath and a rally held outside of Neaths Civic Centre. But ¿sadly¿ the Neath Labour MP and County Councilors didn't even bother to turn up or send support. In fact a Labour member of the NPTCC Cabinet put in writing that Unions shouldn't be trusted and that they were only in it for themselves.
Now the so-called socialists of NPTCC have introduced a budget that cuts many essential services and are planning to sack all its employees and then re-hire them with worse terms and conditions. Remember this is meant to be a Labour Held Council I can¿t see much support for workers rights in Neath by Labour!
So long as we have caring people like Bethan who works tirelessly for all the people of South Wales there is hope for us.
God help us if Mr Tango and his ilk carry on as they are. Remember they were in power for 13 years and look where we are. Shame it¿s only now they object to things that they could have solved over a decade ago.
Plaid has and will continue to fight for people of Wales rights
Again who's objecting -Plaid.”
by Tony, Neath
Friday, September 17 2010, 8:00AM
“Dave, Cardiff
commented on 16-Sep-2010 16:56
Re your comments you are so wrong get your facts right before going to print”
by Bethan Jenkins AM, Neath
Thursday, September 16 2010, 8:59PM
“Dave- I have already been on anti cuts marches- against Labour led Council's such as Neath Port Talbot who have the mad idea to make all staff redundant and make them re apply for their jobs! Who needs Tories when you have Labour in Neath? Plaid do not want to cut- Labour left a mess, and now the Condems are making the situation worse. That is why we need more powers for Wales.
Thank you for the kind words on the comment section about helping the campaign. All I hope is that Unite are successful in taking legal action against Ford. This is what the pensioners who I know deserve, and that is why I am supporting them. A full parliamentary inquiry is needed to assess how Visteon was wound up as a company, and why Ford are washing their hands of faithfull workers.”
by Carl Kirby, aberavon
Thursday, September 16 2010, 8:22PM
“Well Done to all involved with the "Visteon pensioners action group" who have been fighting for justice ! finally some recognition from Westminster ! To all MP's that attended thank you ! hope fully all MP's and Assembly members can work together, finally to deliver justice for our pensioners and workers !”