Press Release
British and German unions seek Brussels intervention on Marconi sale to Ericsson
2 December 2005
British and German unions have today secured a hearing with the European Commission seeking their intervention on the proposed sale of telecoms equipment and services company Marconi to Ericsson.
British unions Amicus, TGWU and GMB and the German unions Verdi and IG Metall joined forces in approaching the European Commission in Brussels.
Marconi employs around 3800 employees in the UK, of which 1700 will transfer to Ericsson once the sale is completed. Ericsson employs around 700 in the UK and a further 1700 employees in Ireland.
Although the unions support the sale to Ericsson, they are seeking assurances on the merger. The unions also want guarantees from the two companies on their members pay and conditions.
Peter Skyte, Amicus National Officer, said:
"We support the principle of the sale of the Marconi business to Ericsson. However neither company has yet provided the assurances on job security, terms and conditions and pensions that we have sought.
"The companies senior executives appear to be spending too much time on their own interests and too little time on that of the workforce."
Amicus had requested a hearing with the European Commission on the proposed merger under the European merger legislation.
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