Fujitsu Services workers vote to strike

Workers at Fujitsu Services have voted to strike for six days, in what the union is calling the first national strike at a UK IT firm.

The strike has been in the works over the past few months, after job cuts and pay freeze hit the firm. The Unite union, which represents 2,000 workers at the firm, has accused it of taking "advantage of the recession".

Last month, three-quarters of the Unite members at Fujitsu voted in favour of strike action, but a strike was delayed after the firm agreed to a fresh round of talks. The company tabled a new offer, which was refused by 83 per cent of the unionised workers.

The first strike day will be 18 December, with workers holding a Scrooge-themed protest to highlight "the company’s treatment of staff with last year’s £200m profit and the £1.6 million paid out to two directors as 'compensation for loss of office'," the union said.

Workers will also strike in January, on the 7th, 8th, 11th, 14th and 15th.

Derek Simpson, Unite Joint General Secretary, said in a statement: “Whilst we remain ready and willing to talk at any time, this further rejection of the company’s position leaves no doubt - our members saying enough is enough."

“We recognise the effect any industrial action will have on key private and public sector customers and clients of Fujitsu, but the responsibility for this rests squarely with the company for failing to address the issues,” he added.

Fujitsu Services said in a statement: “Fujitsu is disappointed that the Unite trades union has decided to announce industrial action whilst consultation continues with the elected employee representatives on the proposed changes to the pension scheme. If the industrial action goes ahead Fujitsu will take measures to ensure that service to its customers is maintained.”

The company employees 11,500 people at sites across the UK.

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