Unite union members employed by IT Services multinational Fujitsu in Crewe have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action over the unfair treatment of local trade union activist, Alan Jenney. Unite members voted in favour of industrial action including one day of strike action, continued work-to-rule and a policy of non cooperation to commence on 30 June. Unite balloted its members at Fujitsu offices in Crewe because they were concerned that time was running out for Alan, who could be dismissed from Sunday, 10 July.
Unite says that Alan has been singled out and put at risk of redundancy, whereas the company has responded to hundreds of job losses elsewhere by supporting staff through redeployment. Unite also claims that the company’s approach to Alan’s case has seriously breached company processes and agreements.
Alan is a 39-year-old IT professional who has worked for Fujitsu for 17 years since leaving full-time education.
Workers, along with their union Unite, are determined to defend Alan from what they see as continued victimisation for his union work on their behalf.
Kevin O’Gallagher, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “This ballot results 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. And as you would expect Unite is one hundred per cent behind its members at Fujitsu.
“The company has denied any obligation to honour agreement made with Unite – the recognised union at Fujitsu.
“It is disappointing that such a major company is behaving this way towards its own employee who simply wants to be treated fairly and not singled out after 17 year service for redundancy without making any genuine effort to find him alternative employment.
“Going on strike is a last resort, but members in Crewe are united behind the campaign.”
The public sector is a major customer of Fujitsu. Workers will take part in strike action on Thursday, 30 June to make links with many of Fujitsu customers who are likely to be striking in defence of public services and pensions that day.
You can follow the campaign on Twitter: @DefendAlanJ
More news on the Fujitsu strike here
