14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that HP isn't the only company plagued by unsatisfied and/or outright angry employees. It seems that the Unite union members from Fujitsu, besides those from HP, plan to stage no less than six strikes, even despite alleged ongoing talks between the company's leadership and the union's representatives.
The motives of the protesters are remarkably similar to those of the aforementioned HP workers. Fujitsu allegedly plans to make 1,000 employees redundant and has already imposed a pay freeze earlier this year. The Unite members also claim that the company plans to not implement the main salary pension scheme for its future employees. As a consequence of continued rejection of the employees' demands, “Scrooge” protests and walkouts will be enacted on December 18 and January 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15.
“While 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,” Derek Simpson, joint general secretary, said. “We recognize 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.”
Meanwhile, the company will somehow have to find a way to deal with this situation more readily, especially considering that a national strike (which would also be the first such strike in the UK) would definitely have consequences. Especially notable is the fact that the total number of employees, including those from Fujitsu's South Wales offices in Cardiff and Swansea, amounts to around 11,500 people.
“Fujitsu is disappointed that the Unite trade union has decided to announce industrial action while consultation continues with the elected employee representatives on the proposed changes to the pension scheme,” a company spokesperson added.“If the industrial action goes ahead Fujitsu will take measures to ensure that service to its customers is maintained.”
The Scrooge protest will take place on December 18th, outside of Fujitsu's London headquarters. Whether the staff from the company's Cardiff office will join the fray remains to be seen.