INDUSTRIAL relations at a strike-hit factory in the region have completely broken down, a union leader claimed last night.

Management and workers at British Polythene Industries, in Stockton, have failed to thrash out an agreement following six one-day stoppages at the factory - despite conciliation service Acas attempting to negotiate.

Fresh rounds of talks were held last week and Joe Keith, of the TGWU, said management had made a "final" offer of a 2.8 per cent pay rise, which was rejected five-to-one by workers.

Mr Keith also said that all talks had broken down, with no further discussions planned.

He said: "What management has achieved throughout these strikes is the complete breakdown of industrial relations at BPI.

"It has possibly sown the seeds of future problems there.

"The workforce does not trust the company any more. It has changed people's perceptions of BPI."

Management had previously offered a 2.5 per cent pay rise, plus 0.3 per cent self-financed.

But Mr Keith said: "They have already had a pay rise of 2.5 per cent imposed on them.

"But we believe our request for a three per cent pay rise is not exhorbatant, particularly when they haven't had a rise for a long time."

He said managers would not go higher than the 2.8 per cent, and had told workers they would not make the offer again.

He refused to say whether there were any further strikes planned.

He added: "I think that the situation both sides find themselves in currently is unresolvable.

"I have got the greatest admiration for Acas and Acas worked to try and reach a solution.

"The management came back with this 2.8 per cent offer which had already been rejected by members and they didn't want to accept that."

Visqueen has already indicated to workers that it could not afford the three per cent pay rise, but Mr Keith argued that the strike must have cost the company thousands.

Steve Moss, managing director of BPI Stockton, said in a statement released to The Northern Echo: "Following the meeting with TGWU representatives, with Acas present, on Tuesday, 11th January a series of TGWU branch meetings were held on 13th January.

"We were advised after these branch meetings that the planned strike action for 15th and 16th January would go ahead. The company kept signifi-cant machinery running through the strike days in order to supply customers' requirements.

"We await further news from the TGWU regarding any further industrial action."