Unite and Fujitsu settle dispute involving ICT staff

A long-running dispute between union Unite and Fujitsu centred on pensions, pay and overtime at the IT services provider has ended after union members accepted a new offer from the employer.

 

the body, the UK's largest union, ended industrial action on Friday (20 January) after members welcomed the agreement - ending a long running dispute that has affected sites in Crewe and Manchester since June last year.

 

Key points of the new agreement include a new statement on the contractual status of Defined Contribution pensions for UK employees, significantly improving the security of pensions, small additional pay increases for most Manchester staff, backdated to 1 August 2011 and no recrimination or detriment for participation in industrial action or campaigning.

 

Kevin O’Gallagher, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “The agreement reflects a significant improvement in relationships with the company since last year. It means better protection for pensions for Fujitsu employees across the UK and pay rises for most Manchester staff.”

 

O’Gallagher added that there was a renewed commitment to work together through the agreements, which can help avoid conflict in future.

 

“A significant number of new Unite representatives have recently been elected and the agreement should mean reps across the UK are, for the first time, allowed work time to deal with many issues affecting employees. Unite is looking forward to developing the positive relationship with Fujitsu in the future,” he concluded.