Union Unite will ask staff in Rugby, Warwickshire and South Ferriby if they want to ballot for strike

Employees at cement specialist Cemex UK are threatening to ballot for industrial action amid growing unrest over the company鈥檚 pensions scheme.

Unite, the union, is asking staff at the firm鈥檚 Rugby, Warwickshire and South Ferriby works whether they want to be balloted for strike.

The union is challenging Cemex鈥檚 decision to close the defined benefit pension scheme to existing members. It claims the firm鈥檚 defined contribution scheme provides fewer benefits than those of its two main rivals.

Unite says Cemex has refused to enter discussions about its pension scheme.

Union spokesman John Allott said: 鈥淲e understand that the status quo is not an option, but the company is refusing to negotiate to achieve decent pensions for all employees. We hope that the company will now get round the table and negotiate in good faith.鈥�

A spokesman for Cemex UK said: 鈥淲e can confirm that we have entered into consultation with our employees and recognised unions about a proposal to close our defined benefit pension schemes to future accrual for active members.

鈥淭here are ongoing consultations with affected employees and Unite and all feedback will be evaluated before any final decisions are made.鈥�

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