Manchester Fujitsu workers vote for strike action
2 September 2011
Unite members employed by Fujitsu Services in Manchester have
voted in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike
in response to the company's continued refusal to abide by
negotiated agreements reached with the union and the continued
attack on union representatives.
Unite members voted by 85.6 per cent for industrial action short
of strike and by 56.4per cent for strike action. The union has not
yet set strike dates.
The ballot result follows on from Unite supporting union
representative Alan Jenney at an employment tribunal last week.
Unite claims that he has been dismissed due to his union
activities. The verdict on his interim relief claim is expected
next week with a full hearing on unfair dismissal being listed for
five days next April. Alan Jenney is a 39-year-old IT professional
who lives in Crewe and has worked for Fujitsu for 17 years since
leaving full-time education.
Unite has consistently sought to avoid the use of industrial
action by utilising Acas as conciliators, but after discussions
stretching over weeks little progress has been made.
Kevin O'Gallagher, Unite's national officer for IT and
communications said: "Our members have made it loud and clear that
they are no longer willing to put up with Fujitsu flouting
agreements and leaving union representatives, fearing for their
futures when carrying out their legitimate business. It is totally
wrong to target someone who only wants to support their colleagues
at work. We urge the company to see sense and resolve the
outstanding issues through negotiation."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
Notes to editors
Ballot result
Question: Are you prepared to take part in strike
action?
No. of votes cast: 202
Spoiled voting papers: 1
Number voting yes: 114
Number voting no: 87
Question: Are you prepared to take part in
industrial action short of a strike?
No. of votes cast: 202
Spoiled voting papers: 1
Number voting yes: 173
Number voting no: 28
PCS have also voted for
strike action.
