Workers to strike in pay dispute

Workers say they are paid less than colleagues in England

Workers at Fujitsu's manufacturing plant in Antrim are to go on strike later in a dispute over pay.

They claim the company is attempting to drive down wages with Northern Ireland workers paid considerably less than colleagues at its Birmingham plant.

Members of the Communications Workers Union have already rejected an offer of a 4% pay increase.

The union said that in a vote on strike action, 60% of the workers voted in favour.

"It costs our members money and it harms the business, but clearly these people who have never had occasion to strike before see this as a last resort," said union representative Laurence Houston.

"The union has said quite clearly we remain committed to a negotiated settlement.

"On this issue, the fact that management have not seen fit to come back to try and negotiate a settlement does not augur well for the future."