14 DAY TRIAL // Unite members are not the only ones that have been warning that they would be going on strikes for a few months. The disagreements between PCS HP employees and the company's leadership don't seem to have alleviated. Already, Fujitsu workers have decided to, again, participate in a walkout and, now, employees from HP are intent on doing the same.
The employees that will take part in tomorrow's action are the same ones that were persuaded to hold off their public protest back in December. At that time, the workers were upset about how their wages had not increased during 2009 and about the high number of job cuts. While the strike was postponed in order to allow negotiations, talks ended yesterday without any common ground being found. While HP stated that it put forth a reasonable offer, the workers are still determined to act upon their initial intention.
"Strike action is not a step that our members take lightly. They have worked hard to help the company deliver fourth quarter revenues of 30.8 billion dollars yet have been slapped in the face with job losses and a pay freeze for two years running," Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said. "It is disgraceful that staff should be treated in such a way as they shoulder greater workloads to help generate good profit levels. The company need[s] to start valuing staff and recognize the crucial part they play in its success by giving guarantees on job security and a fair pay rise."
The number of people who are going to participate in the action amounts to approximately 1,000, and they are from Washington, Newcastle, Preston and near Blackpool. Most are former EDS staff, who have been subject to a pay freeze and fear of redundancy since 2008, when HP took over the firm. Meanwhile, the company said that it had devised a plan to minimize the impact of the walkout.
"In cooperation with our clients we have put together a plan to mitigate the impact of the action on Friday," the company added. "This will include reducing non-urgent project work and moving resources to ensure all critical work is prioritised. […] We will continue to maintain a dialogue with the union in an attempt to avoid any further form of action."