Long-running picket abandoned

Workers were sacked eight weeks after going on strike

One of the longest-running pickets in British history was abandoned on Friday.

A group of 87 workers at the former Friction Dynamex factory in Caernarfon, north Wales, have been protesting for two-and-a-half years.

They were sacked in June 2001 after eight weeks of a lawful dispute over pay and conditions.

The car parts factory workers won employment tribunal cases of unfair dismissal but are still waiting for compensation or redundancy pay.

On 19 December they voted to end the picket, but pledged to fight on for what they were owed by American owner Craig Smith.

They say it will take a legal battle rather than a protest at the factory gates in order to get the money they say is owed to them.

Nobody imagined that it could last this long John Davies

John Davies has been on the picket line since the start and said it was a very sad day for him.

"I'd be a liar if I said everyone was 100 per cent behind the move, " he said.

"There are feelings of sadness and bitterness - and also betrayal."

Liquidation

The company's owner put the firm into liquidation earlier this year. It was taken over and re-opened under a different name, Dynamex Friction.

The Transport and General Workers Union has been campaigning for an end to the so-called "eight-week rule", under which workers can be sacked after being on strike.

General Secretary Tony Woodley said: "Our members at Friction Dynamex have shown true courage and tenacity.

Jubilant scenes last November when staff won their appeal

"For the past two years and eight months they have stood on the picket line come rain or shine, determined to see justice done.

"In reality, they and their families are the victims of actions by an unscrupulous employer and of unfair labour laws that fail to protect British workers."

The union said it would continue to press the government to pay compensation to the workers.

Mr Davies said the last day was going to be very emotional.

"I've a lot of friends who I've worked with over the years and some will have to leave the area to look for employment.

"Nobody imagined that it could last this long.

He added: "I'll be passing this place going to work every day and it will be very strange."