Factory workers announce further strikes over pay

James Walker in Cockermouth, Cumbria, produces sealing products for industry

Factory workers have announced further walkouts over a pay dispute.

Union Unite said about 250 workers at James Walker in Cockermouth, Cumbria, would strike from 15 to 17 October and again from 22 to 24 October.

A walkout last month halted production lines at the firm, which produces sealing products for industry, and cost it thousands of pounds in lost revenue, Unite said.

A James Walker spokesperson said it was a "disappointing development", but that the company was open to consultation and hoped "constructive dialogue" could be maintained.

Unite said the company "did not budge" on the 3% pay offer that led to action.

James Walker said it offered a revised proposal of 3% plus an additional two days of holiday over this year's Christmas shutdown.

The company said it believed the offer was "fair and reasonable".

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "James Walker is highly profitable and can afford to offer its hardworking staff a much better offer.

"This dispute is entirely caused by its greed."

The company said it had been accused of putting profit before people, when the Cockermouth business performance had "deteriorated over recent years".

The union also said an overtime ban was in place.