More Fujitsu strikes

Unite members working for the IT giant Fujitsu will strike for a further four days at sites across the UK in their long-running dispute over plans to axe one in five jobs and pension cuts.

Workers at Basingstoke, Belfast, Birmingham, Bracknell, Crewe, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Stevenage, Wakefield and Warrington will strike for 24 hours from midnight on Thursday, April 13 and Monday, April 24

There will also be a 48-hour strike starting at midnight on Thursday, April 20.

The dispute centres on pay, pensions, job security and union recognition – and takes place against a background of Fujitsu’s plans to axe and offshore 1,800 jobs in the UK.

Fujitsu is highly profitable in the UK, making £85.6 million profit in the last financial year. Unite argues that an ill-considered move to cut and offshore jobs jeopardises the viability of the existing business and runs contrary to its image as a ‘responsible business’.

The previous four days of strikes took place on 28 February and 17, 24 and 27 March, generating strong support and hitting services to customers.

“The previous four days of strike action generated strong support from workers determined to stand up for their jobs and livelihoods,” said Unite national officer Ian Tonks.

“The way Fujitsu is treating its workforce and keeping them in the dark over its plans for the future is beyond contempt.

“This is a workforce that has worked hard to make Fujitsu in the UK highly profitable, yet their reward is job cuts and pension reductions, while the company frustrates Unite’s attempts to minimise compulsory redundancies.

“Fujitsu needs to start seriously engaging with Unite to avoid further industrial action, which could stretch into the summer.

“It is in danger of suffering severe reputational damage and will no longer be able to masquerade as a ‘responsible business’.”

Fujitsu workers are looking for the following commitments from the company:

• Job security – significantly improved redundancy payments /      redeployment efforts, conduct meaningful consultation.
• Pensions – restoration of the retrospective cut in pensions.
• Living wage – the company to become a living wage accredited employer.
• Recognition – recognition of Unite as the union to represent all employees who want it.