Fujitsu are not having ‘IT’ all their own way – Statement From Jerry Hicks
The first ever national strike in IT is an inspiration and is to be applauded.
The Unite union members in Fujitsu striking to defend their jobs, pay
and pensions do so against a profitable company who blatantly seeks to
take advantage of the economic crisis.
Fujitsu bosses as like many other employers, hope that their employees
feeling of general insecurity would make them swallow compulsory job
losses, the closure of the final salary pension scheme to new starts
and a pay freeze.
Magnificently the workers haven’t succumbed and have chosen to fight
back, their courage strengthens us everyone in the trade union
movement.
It is understood that the strike action has already forced Fujitsu bosses to back down on some of the demands.
Jerry Hicks said "I will be doing all I can to support these workers
knowing that a victory here makes it far more likely everywhere".
Whoever wins the next General Election election, cuts and attacks are staring every workplace, every union member in the face.
Labour would legislate to halve the deficit. £75bn in cuts and even
more Privatisation. The Liberals have said they would make savage cuts.
George Osborne the Tory shadow chancellor boasted that within 3 months of being in office they would be the most unpopular Government since the 2nd World War.
This year will see two elections. Both are likely to be defining
moments. The General Election and the election for General Secretary of
the country’s biggest trade union ‘Unite’.
Given the size and make up of Unite, it makes the election for the
union’s General Secretary the most significant union election for
decades.
Notes for readers:
- Unite is not only the country’s biggest Trade Union it’s also the biggest single donator to the Labour Party.
Jerry Hicks is almost certain to be the only candidate who is not a
senior official of the union. This was also the case last time, however
he secured support from every region and sector of the union, coming
second, within touching distance of incumbent General Secretary Derek
Simpson who will not be standing this time round.
Jerry Hicks is thought by many to be a possible winner. He argues that
fundamental change is needed in the union’s relationship with New
Labour which he describes as being – too close, too cosy, paying too
much, for far too little.
Jerry Hicks can be contacted on Tel: 078 178 279 12
For more information Visit www.jerryhicks4gs.com
To read more about the Futjitsu strike click here
