WAREHOUSE workers at a famous wax jacket maker have gone on strike over contract changes.

More than 60 staff at J Barbour and Sons, in Gateshead, started six-day action yesterday, claiming the firm had cut unsociable hours payments and extended shifts until 11pm.

Unite union officials say the move is a deliberate attempt to put staff on similar terms to temporary workers, but Barbour bosses countered the allegations, saying changes to hours include better pay.

They added the action will continue today, with walk-outs planned for Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23, as well as Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6.

Fazia Hussain-Brown, Unite regional officer, said: “Staff feel betrayed by the attacks on terms and conditions, which are designed to squeeze out yet more profit.

“They are actions Scrooge would be proud of and Barbour needs to enter the Christmas spirit.”

The brand, known around the world, achieved major fame in 1964 when Steve McQueen wore a Barbour jacket while competing in the International Six Day Trials motorcycle endurance event.

Brenda Readman-Bell, Barbour’s group finance and IT director, said such history was forcing it to make changes as it seeks to meet rising customer demand.

She added: “Our business has grown significantly and in a very competitive retail market place, service and on time deliveries to our customers are of paramount importance.

“The introduction of shift patterns will enable us to extend warehouse working hours to satisfy customer demand and continue delivering our renowned quality.

“We’ve done everything to work with the union and employees, and the new shift patterns include a substantial pay increase and standard working hours on a Monday to Friday basis.”

The company, which employs 600 North-East workers, also has a base in South Shields, South Tyneside.

Last year, it secured a deal to provide jackets, shirts and trousers for players at Newcastle Falcons rugby union team.