Sacked workers win compensation

The 39 workers are all members of Amicus trade union

A group of Sheffield foundry workers who were sacked after going on strike over two years ago have won their case for unfair dismissal.

An employment tribunal has said that 39 workers who were employed by the engineering company William Cook are entitled to compensation.

The dispute started in April 2001 when the company imposed a wage reduction of between £80 and £120 a week.

Workers balloted for industrial action and, following a one day stoppage, 90 employees were told not to return to work.

In dispute

The 39 workers who went to the tribunal still regard themselves as being in dispute with William Cook.

The amount of compensation they will receive has still to be determined.

All 39 are members of the trade union Amicus.

General secretary Derek Simpson, said: "I welcome the tribunal decision in support of our members which vindicates our position that the employer acted improperly.

William Cook said it had no comment to make.