Workers strike at trailer firm

The company is a major employer in the area

Workers at a north Wales trailer firm are set to strike for the first time ever on Friday.

More than 200 members of the GMB union, from three Ifor Williams Trailers plants, will stay at home in protest over pay and working conditions.

They have voted overwhelmingly in favour of one-day industrial action in Bala, Cynwyd and Corwen.

There are fears locally that the strike could divide families and communities who have relied on the company for 40 years.

The union says working conditions and salaries are poor at the firm, which is one of the most important employers in the area with more than 400 staff.

Members are taking action over what the union calls, "a failure to reach agreement in this year's pay and condition review."

One worker said he had no choice.

"We're very disappointed in the company, very disappointed at the way they've treated us. That's the general feeling I think."

Another worker said they had simply had enough.

This worker said he had had enough

Overtime ban

Charlie Leonard, senior organiser with the GMB, said "relations were strained" with the company.

Negotiations between the GMB and the company have taken place through ACAS, but so far they have failed to reach an agreement.

Officials say they are particularly concerned that workers do not get extra payments for shift work.

According to one union official, the disciplinary regime at the company is "draconian".

Further one-day stoppages are planned for 11 and 19 August.

The company, founded in 1958, manufactures agricultural trailers and horseboxes which are sold both in the UK and abroad.

Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd said in a statement that the company deeply regretted that the GMB union has determined to strike over the current round of pay negotiations.

"The company will continue to do all it can to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of the entire workforce and to ensure the long-term development of the business in north Wales," added a spokesperson.