Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has today received news from Ford that
the Visteon pensioners should receive their pension settlements by the end of
the month.
Almost every eligible pensioner has agreed to the terms of the deal
which were agreed last month after Ford entered into binding and constructive
talks with Unite on behalf the Visteon Pension Action Group to settle the
claim.
Joined by colleagues from across the House, Mr Metcalfe tirelessly campaigned for
Ford to honour their moral responsibilities to their former employees who
suffered pension losses of up to 50% when Visteon UK collapsed in 2009 after
being was spun off from Ford in 2000.
The
All Party Parliamentary Group in support of Visteon pensioners, chaired by Mr
Metcalfe, have held debates in the House of Commons on the matter, made
representations to the Government, attended demonstrations, and have supported
the Visteon Pension Action Group (VPAG) in the fight for their pensions.
Mr Metcalfe
commented: “I am delighted to hear the Visteon pensioners will be receiving
payments so soon after Ford agreed to settle the claim. This will be the end of
a long fought campaign and I know that every pensioner involved in this
campaign will be extremely pleased with the outcome.”
“I would like
to once again thank Ford for honouring their responsibilities. By righting this
wrong, they have restored their proud reputation for looking after their
workers and I look forward to working with them in the future as they continue
to make an invaluable contribution to the national economy, and our local
economy in Basildon.”
