Fujitsu workers vote on strike

Manchester staff demand better deal

Amicus union members at Fujitsu in Manchester are to ballot for strike action calling for fairer pay deals, redundancy rights and better union recognition.

The Amicus union representative at Fujitsu Ian Allinson said that he is confident that there will be a high turnout for the ballot, which closes on Thursday, and is convinced that it will result in strike action.

There are approximately 390 Amicus members working at Fujitsu in Manchester, which is based at several sites in the city with a workforce totaling 850.

In an official statement regarding the dispute with Fujitsu, Amicus said: “Either the company will succeed in undermining the union so that it can raise profits at the expense of employees, or we will succeed in defending and extending our rights.”

Talks between Amicus members and Fujitsu management are planned for November 15 and Allinson said that if a settlement could be reached, strike action may be averted.

However, he said that the likely outcome was that Fujitsu – described by Amicus as “anti-union” – will continue to “dodge the issue” and claimed that similar issues were first raised three years ago. The company backed down and agreed to make changes only to return to its original stance, he said.

When asked by The Register about Fujitsu’s attitude towards Manchester-based staff regarding the ongoing dispute Allinson said: “They’re looking for their pound of flesh and unfortunately we’re that pound of flesh.”

A Fujitsu spokesperson said that no jobs were under threat and that the company was “keeping an open mind” and continuing to discuss offers with Amicus.

The outcome of the ballot is expected to be announced by Amicus on Friday.®