Fujitsu on strike

HUNDREDS OF staff working for giant multinational Fujitsu IT Services took strike action on 20 November against attacks on pay, working conditions and union rights.

Hugh Caffrey, Manchester

One of the Amicus reps, Phil, explained to me how the company appointed a union-busting consultant as their lead "negotiator" with the union!

Across the Fujitsu sites in Warrington, Wakefield and Thames Valley, union membership is growing as workers are sick of being ignored and treated like dirt. As a strike placard put it: "What do we have to do to make you listen to your employees?"

Speaking at the strike rally, senior rep Ian Allinson explained the climate of fear in Fujitsu but that the union is "standing up to this bullying atmosphere".

Union members are now discussing the next steps in the campaign. Phil explained how union members are withdrawing goodwill. If the bosses continue refusing to settle the dispute, then further industrial action will be necessary.

Send messages to support@ourunion.org.uk and donations to John Wood, 301 Bolton Road, Bury, BL8 2NZ. Cheques payable to "Manchester IT Workers Group". More information and dispute collection sheet available online at www.ourunion.org.uk, or contact Ian Allinson, Fujitsu Services, Central Park, Northampton Road, Manchester, M40 5BP.