Taxi makers rally over pay

About 2,000 black cabs are made at the plant each year

About 100 striking workers at a firm that makes black cabs took part in a rally on Thursday.

Staff walked out of London Taxis International (LTI) in Coventry on 27 January, saying a 2.9% pay increase offered by the company was not enough.

At a meeting between staff and union officials on Wednesday, workers voted to continue their industrial action.

Stuart Pearce, who is on strike, said workers were determined to continue for an improved offer.

Managing director Peter Shillcock said long-term action could be very damaging for the company.

Between April 2001 and 2002, LTI made a pre-tax loss of £2.9m - against a £3m loss the previous year, on a turnover of £119m.

Its black cabs are exported to more than 25 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia.