Fujitsu faces possible strike action

Skyte : Unite's position is to protect the defined benefit pension scheme

IT vendor Fujitsu faces possible strike action from staff if a ballot of 2,000 members of trade union Unite votes in favour of the move.

Up to a third of the company's 12,000 UK employees could be hit by changes to its pension plan, according to Unite.

The union will conduct a consultative ballot on strike action over pay and pensions involving up to 2,000 members employed by the supplier, highlighting Fujitsu Services' "significant profits."

Unite said Fujitsu intends to dismiss employees after a consultation period about pension plans ends in September, "and offer them employment on new contracts which are unchanged except in relation to pensions."

"Fujitsu Services is a highly profitable and successful company which is seeking to take advantage of the recession to attack pay, pensions and conditions," said Unite national officer for IT and communications Peter Skyte.

Unite also pointed to Fujitsu's increase in gross margins to 19.9 per cent and a payout to two directors of £1.59m in compensation for loss of office.

Skyte said that Unite's position was to protect the defined benefit pension scheme.

"Any changes which reduce financial risk to the company at the expense of members should be compensated for accordingly,” he said.