Fujitsu staff plan more strike action

Disgruntled staff at outsourcing company Fujitsu Services are planning further strike action in the ongoing dispute over redundancy, pay and union recognition.

Fujitsu management and the trade union Amicus will reopen talks at arbitration service Acas this week to try and resolve the dispute following the strike action that has already taken place.

But Amicus has warned that further one-day strikes will take place on 28 February and 7 March, and a three-day strike from 12 to 14 March if no deal is reached through Acas.

The row involves staff working on outsourcing contracts at the Manchester operations of Fujitsu Services where Amicus claims staff are been denied union recognition and the right to a 90-day redundancy consultation period. The union is also fighting for better pay after claiming the majority of Fujitsu's UK workforce received below inflation pay increases last year.

Fujitsu has started disciplinary action against Ian Allinson, a senior union representative for Amicus, who faces possible suspension from his job over his role in the dispute. Fujitsu is expected to reach a decision on whether to proceed with the disciplinary action this week.

There are around 300 Amicus members at the 850-staff Manchester office of Fujitsu, and 100 of those took part in the recent strike action.

Amicus also launched a petition in support of the striking workers at the weekend and plans to present it at the House of Commons next month.

No-one at Fujitsu Services was available for comment.