More than 1,000 Fujitsu IT workers across two trade unions have voted to carry out joint strike action over pay issues and victimisation of union representatives.
The IT staff, 720 of whom are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union and 307 who belong to Unite union, will strike for 24 hours from midnight on Monday 19 September. They are based at various locations across the UK, including Manchester.
Strike action could affect a number of Fujitsu contracts, including those with the DVLA, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Home Office, Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Office of National Statistics.
Last month, PCS’s members working on government contracts across the UK voted for strike action over a below-inflation pay offer and Fujitsu’s alleged failure to implement previous pay agreements.
Fujitsu has refused to offer pay rises of more than between 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, which PCS said was an insult to the lowest-paid staff, many of whom earn just £13,500 a year.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “Such a pitiful pay offer to workers, who are paid less than what some senior executives pocket in bonuses alone, is an insult.
“Our members may work for Fujitsu but they are supporting essential public services, so ministers must recognise they have a responsibility for what happens on behalf of their departments.”
Meanwhile, members of Unite in Manchester voted for strike action over a breakdown in industrial relations, as an extension of industrial action that has been taking place in Crewe since 30 June after long-serving Fujitsu employee and Unite union rep Alan Jenney was made redundant.
Unite claims that Fujitsu is breaking agreements including union recognition, benefits, pensions, redundancy and employment.
“This dispute can only be resolved through negotiations and coming to an agreement with the workforce. We remain available to talk at any time and urge management to get around the table so we can have a negotiated settlement.”
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Unite members in Crewe are also meeting today to consider joining the joint strike action.
In a statement, Fujitsu said: "Fujitsu is disappointed that PCS and Unite has announced industrial action on 19 September. We are continuing to work with both unions to resolve the disputes."
The IT company also insisted that contracts would not be affected by the strike action.
"Fujitsu is confident that the service we deliver to customers will be unaffected by any industrial action and we have robust contingency plans in place to ensure this."
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