News

A wave of protest actions starts today in Germany and in Italy in opposition to the lay-off of employees at EDS and HP.

In Italy a four-hour strike is taking place at all EDS sites around the country involving both trade unions and workers. In Rome and Milan demonstrations are taking place in front of the HP headquarters.



In Germany, the works councils of EDS, together with the trade unions IG Metall and Ver.di, is calling for a "joint lunch" at 1 pm in front of the EDS headquarters in Rüsselsheim.



These actions come in the wake of the announcement made by HP CEO Mark Hurd and EMEA Director Bill Thomas, on 25^th September, to cut 9,330 jobs in Europe, of which 8,400 at EDS.



“The scale of the workforce reduction exceeds in all countries our ‘worst scenario’ expectations,” said Udo Verzagt, chairman of the European Works Council at EDS. “This means every fourth workplace is at risk in Europe. The reduction plans are not based on a concrete analysis of the situation but are geared exclusively to the financial requirements of HP,” he added.



After years of restructuring, EDS had finally stabilised and achieved solid positive results in Europe. The announced dismissals are the largest workforce reduction in the history of EDS. It will have catastrophic consequences for employees, clients and the success of HP in Europe.



EDS employees are committed to a future-oriented cooperation.



EMF and UNI-Europa support the workers in their fight against the mass dismissals. A press conference will be held after the rally.



The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.



For further information please contact:



Gerd Rohde, UNI-ICTS Head of Department



Linda Rackham, EMF PA to the Deputy General Secretary / Press Officer