WORKERS at Forterra's Newbury site are set to hold several days of strikes over a pay dispute.

GMB members voted unanimously to take industrial action over what staff are describing as an 'outrageous attitude' towards staff.

Forterra, a heavy building materials supplier, responded to the claims by saying they were disappointed and saw striking as an 'unnecessary action'.

It is also said that GMB increased demands for salaries after an initial request was agreed between the two parties.

The intended dates of strike are March 18-22 and staff will be calling for a 'pay parity' across the four days.

Asia Allison, GMB regional organiser, said: "Since the ballot in December 2018, we have made some progress in negotiations.

"GMB are fully committed to making improvements to the existing terms and conditions and fully disagree with any detrimental cuts to achieve the initial aim, which the directors were proposing.

"Regrettably, we hit a brick wall and a breakdown in negotiations left us with no other option apart from strike action.

"The fact that our members voted 100 per cent for strike action, shows the depth of anger and frustration GMB members feel at the outrageous attitude adopted by this profitable company.

"We believe that the time has come to draw a line in the sand and say, ‘no more, enough is enough'."

The trade union say members were underpaid and disadvantaged for a number of years and they want pay to be brought into line.

A company spokesman added: “Forterra is currently in negotiations with the GMB regarding the pay of 58 employees at Forterra’s manufacturing plant in Newbury. These negotiations have been running since June 2018.

"On January 21, Forterra agreed with a GMB request to align pay rates at Newbury with a sister site in Birmingham. However, the GMB has chosen to increase its demands and is now proposing industrial action to further improve this offer.

"Forterra is disappointed by the GMB’s stance and believes that this unnecessary action can be avoided.

"Site management are working on mitigation plans to ensure any industrial action does not impact customer service.”