Strike Looms At Fujitsu

Industrial action looms in Co Antrim as staff at the hi-tech Fujitsu manufacturing plant in Antrim are set to go on strike later in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Communications Workers Union have already rejected an offer of a 4% pay increase.

They claim the company is attempting to drive down wages with Northern Ireland workers paid considerably less than colleagues at its Birmingham plant.

The union said that in a vote on strike action, 60% of the workers voted in favour.

"It costs our members money and it harms the business, but clearly these people who have never had occasion to strike before see this as a last resort," said union representative Laurence Houston.

"The union has said quite clearly we remain committed to a negotiated settlement.

"On this issue, the fact that management have not seen fit to come back to try and negotiate a settlement does not augur well for the future."

(BMcC)