THE first-ever strike at consumer goods giant Unilever was said to be solidly supported yesterday as picket lines were mounted at several sites in a row over pensions.

Members of three unions are taking industrial action, which started at 7pm on Thursday and was due to finish at 7am today, over plans to axe the company’s final salary pension scheme, which workers say will slash the retirement income of thousands of staff by up to 40%.

Unions claimed the company had cancelled a Christmas party at the Port Sunlight factory on the Wirral, and had withdrawn hampers and gift vouchers because of the strike.

Sites hit by the action include Port Sunlight, Purfleet in Essex, Manchester, Gloucester, Burton-on-Trent and Chester.

Unions said the stoppage had hit production of Unilever’s brands including Dove, Marmite, PG Tips, Pot Noodle and Hellmans Mayonnaise, but Unilever said its products were available as usual.

David Johnson, national officer of Usdaw, said: “I’ve been on the picket lines at both Leeds and Port Sunlight and can report that the strike is absolutely solid.

“The support we’ve had locally and from across the country has been tremendous and it is very much appreciated by our members.

“Unilever’s petty decision to withdraw Christmas parties, gifts and bonuses has been greeted with derision by our members.”

Unite national officer Jennie Formby said: “Unilever want to slash pensions but our members are showing they are determined to defend themselves.