Unite members at Fujitsu’s Crewe site to strike

Members of the Unite union at Fujitsu's site in Crewe have voted to take strike action over the alleged unfair treatment of a trade union activist.

Unite claims that Alan Jenney has been singled out for redundancy. The trade union also claims that Fujitsu has seriously breached company processes and agreements in this case. Jenney has worked for Fujitsu as an IT professional for 17 years.

"This ballot result reflects that our members are prepared to vote 'yes' to back strike action against the company's victimisation of Unite rep and co-worker Alan Jenney, who is being unfairly singled out," said Kevin O'Gallagher, Unite national officer for IT and communications.

"Going on strike is a last resort, but members in Crewe are behind the campaign," he added.

The majority of Unite members voted in favour of industrial action, including one day of strike action on Thursday (30 June), continued work-to-rule and a policy of non-cooperation to start on Thursday.

A total of 52% of votes cast were in favour of a strike, and 72% of votes were in favour of industrial action, short of strike action.

A spokesman from Fujitsu said: "We are aware of the union's intention to strike following a ballot by members, but we are not able to comment on any specific cases regarding an individual member of our staff."

This is not the first time industrial action has been called at Fujitsu. Last year, workers at the company went on strike over pay freezes, job cuts and the closure of a pension scheme.

About 130 staff are employed at the Crewe site, which makes computer programmes, installs hardware and operates a help desk.

Photo:  Jupiterimages