Marconi faces strike action

NEWS Marconi is facing strike action over its plans to slash its workforce by 2,100. The beleaguered telecoms equipment manufacturer is facing a showdown with unions today who are expected to demand that the company reaffirm its commitment to a voluntary redundancy programme. Delegates from the four unions representing Marconi workers are due to meet Marconi chief executive Mike Parton later today to discuss the plans for job cuts around the UK, the Financial Times reports. Unions have become increasingly doubtful that the company can meet the planned 2,100 job cuts with voluntary redundancies. The FT claims that while the three of the unions are chary of industrial action, the MSF, which represents around 4,500 Marconi workers is facing increasing pressure from members to strike. Tensions also exist over a proposed payout of around £1m to former CEO Lord Simpson.