Fujitsu and Unite reach agreement to end dispute

Japanese computing giant Fujitsu has struck a deal with unions to end a long-running dispute affecting sites in Crewe and Manchester, relating to contracts and alleged victimisation of union representatives.

Fujitsu, which employs around 11,000 staff in the UK, was hit by strike action in Manchester last September after allegedly reneging on promises made on pay and pensions and refusing to negotiate changes with staff.

Meanwhile, at the Crewe site, a dispute erupted after a long-standing union representative was made redundant without being allowed to work his notice period.

Some Fujitsu staff work on contracts for large public sector bodies including DVLA, HM Revenue & Customs, the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Office of National Statistics.

Kevin O'Gallagher, Unite national officer for IT and communications said the new 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. There is a renewed commitment to work together through our agreements, which can help avoid conflict in future," he added in a statement.

"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.

Fujitsu also welcomed the deal in a brief statement.