Job threat workers to go on strike

May 15 2008

AROUND 140 Birmingham workers whose jobs are being lost to the USA have voted for strike action in an attempt to force management to back down.

Workers at manufacturing giant Fujitsu have voted to strike in a row over the job cuts at the telecoms equipment plant near the NEC. Members of the Communication Workers Union at the firm's complex in Birmingham backed walkouts by 68-1 in protest at plans to cut 150 jobs.

The union, which released 150 black balloons outside the plant shortly after the ballot result was revealed, held back from setting a strike date to allow peace talks to continue.

Jeannie Drake, the union's deputy general secretary, said: "Manufacturing workers at the Birmingham Fujitsu plant are preparing to take industrial action to send a clear message to management that they are infuriated by the threat to their jobs and will fight to keep them.

"Workers feel badly let down by a company to which they have shown outstanding commitment over the years.

"We are in talks with the company exploring options to keep the manufacturing activity alive in Birmingham."