Fujitsu strike averted by ACAS conciliation

Fujitsu staff have called off any further action

The strike action at Fujitsu has formally ended after a vote by staff to return to work following concessions from the company.

Staff voted by four to one to avoid action after a campaign by Unite forced Fujitsu to cut planned compulsory redundancies from 1,200 to fewer than 30, and give a five per cent pay increase to take into account the eventual closure of the firm's final salary pension scheme.

The company also agreed to set a minimum staff salary of £12,000 this year, and to negotiate upwards to Unite's goal of £13,500. The deal was brokered by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

"While the ACAS-brokered proposals do not fully satisfy our members' aspirations, there have been significant changes in the company's position on jobs, pay and pensions over the course of the dispute," said Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for the IT sector.

"Unite will continue to work with Fujitsu to avoid compulsory redundancies, and press the company for a fairer and more open and transparent pay system that more adequately recognises and rewards the Fujitsu workforce for its contribution to the company's success and for improved pension provision."

The high-profile campaign by Unite saw 10 days of strike action and a lobbying visit to the House of Commons. The victory will also be good news for striking HP workers who have yet to reach a settlement over pay and conditions.