UNILEVER workers in Merseyside look set to join strike  action after a ballot from  union Unite saw “overwhelming” support for industrial  action over pension changes.

Unilever, which has sites in  Wirral, Warrington and  Chester, said it was “very disappointed” at the strike vote,  but insisted “pensions  arrangements in the UK have  to reflect today's realities”.

The company, first started  when William Hesketh Lever  built his first soap factory in  Wirral where it retains a  research and development  unit, has brands including  Marmite, Hellman’s Mayonnaise, Pot Noodles, Dove, PG  Tips, Comfort and Surf.

It has angered employees  with plans to scrap their final  salary pension scheme.

Jennie Formby, Unite  national officer, accused Unilever of “betraying” its  employees.

She said: “Our members  have spoken and, while the  decision to strike was not an  easy one, the message is clear:  they will not roll over and  accept this attack on their  pension scheme.  Unilever  must now do the  decent thing for its  loyal workforce  and get back  around the negotiating table.

“Unilever is betraying the very staff who have worked tirelessly over decades to make Unilever the hugely successful and profitable global giant it is today. 

“Our members now face losing thousands of pounds in retirement, whilst at the same time the directors earn millions in bonuses and share options.”

She said the  union had put forward alternatives,  but Unilever  “refused to listen”, and added:  "Only this month, Paul Polman (CEO) received shares  worth £1,069,986, and Unilever  management has told us that  the pension changes are not  driven by financial imperatives.