More than 1,000 Fujitsu workers to strike this month

More than 1,000 Fujitsu workers will strike on 19 September as a result of unsatisfactory pay conditions.

The action will affect HMRC, the Office of National Statistics and the DVLA, among other public bodies.

The workers – members of both PCS and Unite trade unions – will strike for 24 hours from midnight on Monday 19 September. The strikes will take place at various locations across the UK.

Unite explained that a below inflation pay offer and a failure to implement previous pay agreements are the reasons for the action. The offer provided would see a rise of between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent.

Unite has said Fujitsu is breaking agreements covering issues including union recognition, pay, benefits, pensions, redundancy and redeployment.

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "Such a pitiful pay offer, to workers who are paid less than some senior executives pocket in bonuses alone, is an insult.

"Our members may work for Fujitsu but they are supporting essential public services, so ministers must recognise they have a responsibility [to these workers] on behalf of their departments."

Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, said: "Unite will not accept any situation where an employer can arbitrarily break negotiated agreements. This dispute can only be resolved through negotiations and by coming to an agreement with the workforce. We remain available to talk at any time and urge management to get around the table so we can have a negotiated settlement."

Earlier this year, PCS and Unite signed a joint national agreement to co-ordinate campaigns and industrial action where possible.

Fujitsu released the following statement on the matter: "Fujitsu is disappointed that PCS and Unite have announced industrial action on 19 September. We are continuing to work with both unions to resolve the disputes."