Workers at Marks and Spencer will strike in the run up the Christmas. A blow to the retailer as SIPTU members have balloted in favour of a strike during one of the busiest times for retail. The one day strike is happening today the 7/12/2013. The protest is at managements decision to unilaterally close the workers' defined benefit pension scheme. SIPTU represents about 140 of the M&S work force. The union was not consulted when it was announced that the defined benefit scheme would close on the 31st of October. Two more work stoppages will take place on Thursday 7th of December and Friday 20th December 2013.