Fujitsu workers to vote on strike

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Workers at Fujitsu Services are set to vote on whether or not they should strike over their employer’s pension cuts.

The Unite Union, which represents 2,000 workers at the firm, said the ballot will begin on Monday, with results following by 30 October.

The union has been arguing against proposed changes to the company’s pension scheme, with it said would cut pay packages by as much as a fifth. The pension changes are currently under consultation, but Unite said Fujitsu plans to “force” them through by firing staff and then rehiring them under new conditions.

Fujitsu spokesman Graham Goulden told IT PRO that no decisions had been made on any the pension changes.

Unite said a poll of its Fujitsu members showed 87 per cent wanted to strike, while 96 per cent said other action could also be taken.

Peter Skyte, Unite national officer, said: “Unite members are asking why they should lose their jobs and tighten their belts when last year the company paid out about £150 million to shareholders and around £1.6 million to two directors as compensation for loss of office."

Unite has previously accused the company of taking advantage of the recession to cut pay.

“Fujitsu remains a highly profitable company and our members are insisting that the company must treat them fairly and increase pay, provide decent pensions, and consult meaningfully to minimise job losses and avoid compulsory redundancy,” Skyte said in a statement.

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