David Courtley
Chief Executive Officer
Fujitsu Services
22 Baker Street
London
W1U 3BW
Dear Mr Courtley,
I have been approached by constituents who are employed by Fujitsu Services in Manchester and who are presently in dispute with the company.
I understand that the company is breaking agreements ranging from union recognition to redundancy, redeployment, pay and benefits, and that this, along with the lack of a pay deal in 2006, has resulted in staff taking industrial action.
I am informed that not only did the company reject proposals from both ACAS and Amicus to help resolve the dispute, but has walked away from the talks. To compound the situation, my constituents tell me that the company is threatening disciplinary action against the senior Amicus Rep.
Such a confrontational approach runs contrary to all good industrial relations practice and cannot provide a solid foundation for the future prosperity of your company.
Fujitsu Services is a major supplier of IT services to the public sector. As you know, the government is committed to encouraging a partnership approach between employers and trade unions, as ministers believe employee participation is the best way to achieve both business efficiency and fairness at work. I share that view and would be pleased to work with you, as an MP with constituents employed by your business, to promote Fujitsu as a supplier of IT expertise. However, it would be much easier to do so were it evident that you enjoyed a constructive relationship with your employees and their trade union.
I hope you will give your attention to the issues involved in the dispute, and ensure that a settlement is negotiated with Amicus quickly. I would also be grateful for your comments on the points raised by my constituents relating to this dispute. Workers in the IT industry hardly have a reputation for militancy. Yours is a high-skill sector, your employees your most valuable asset. I hope you will be able to resolve the dispute in a constructive fashion.
Yours sincerely