HP strike is called off

MAKER OF EXPENSIVE PRINTER INK HP has been given a temporary reprieve as the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has suspended industrial action pending further talks.

The strike action was organised by the PCS and HP's Enterprise division, which is primarily made up of embittered ex-employees of EDS before the HP acquisition. The action was originally slated for 29th and 30th March but was suspended on Friday with the intervention of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, an independent body for resolving employment disputes.

The two-day strike over job security and pay conditions had up to 1,000 PCS members signed up to strike and further slotted strike action on 6th and 7th April. This may be withdrawn if ACAS, the PCS, HP and the disgruntled ex-EDS team can come to an agreement.

Jim Hanson, PCS national officer for HP, said, "Following a meeting with HP at ACAS on 25 March where significant progress was made on the issues of pay and job security, PCS has agreed to suspend the current work to rule and strike action planned for 29th and 30th March.

"Further talks will take place at ACAS on 30th March, after which the union will review action planned for 6th and 7th April." µ