Tyre factory's workers to strike

Hundreds of workers at a Cumbrian tyre factory are set to strike in a row over the outsourcing of work.

About 700 members of the T&G section of Unite at Pirelli's Carlisle site say plans to subcontract grinding operations are a step too far.

Members voted for a 40-hour strike on 3 and 4 August, followed by a one-day walkout on 17 August.

Pirelli expressed disappointed at the decision and said the outsourcing would result in no job losses.

Despite several meetings between the company and union representatives, attempts to resolve the dispute have been exhausted, according to the official Alan McGuckin.

'Good relations'

He said that members had voted two to one in favour of strike action, but were still willing to talk to the firm's management at any time.

A Pirelli spokeswoman said: "The company is very disappointed, after many years of good industrial relations and no strike actions, that strike days are being planned during August at the Carlisle factory.

"The action is planned as a protest against the outsourcing of the grinding operating in the Carlisle plant, however, this outsourcing will not result in the loss of pay, jobs or any other terms and conditions currently held by Pirelli employees."

In September 2006, strike action was avoided at the firm's Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent plants, when the union and management agreed on an improved pay deal.