CEMENT workers due to lose their jobs in five months time are gearing up for a pensions battle which could net them tens of thousands of pounds.

GMB union bosses say they will go to court to fight for extra cash for 147 workers at the Eastgate plant, in Weardale, County Durham, which Lafarge UK is shutting down on August 9.

National officer Alan Black, regional officer Derek Cattell and North-East Euro MP Stephen Hughes met Lafarge managers and staff at the factory yesterday amid anger that the closure date had been announced only hours earlier.

Mr Black said: "Favourable terms were given to 60 staff who lost their jobs at their head office in London last autumn.

"They were given an enhanced pension and we want our members here to be treated no less favourably.

"Until this year, relations between the company and the GMB have been excellent. Our members have had good terms and conditions of employment and they are being offered good relocation packages.

"But we will fight them over this in the courts if necessary."

Billy Wilthew, GMB shop steward, said members were bitter over the company's handling of the closure, especially its refusal to discuss possible deals for selling the 37-year-old plant.

He said: "This pensions issue is the final straw. It could mean up to 18 months' pay for our members.

"It would give them time to look around for jobs and maybe even keep them in the dale.

"We are prepared to test it in the courts through our union solicitors, and the lads have said they will set up a fighting fund if necessary."

Lafagre UK's operations director, Rob Davies, said: "We are expecting a fight with the GMB over the pensions issue.

"We cannot comment until we look closely into it. There are a number of divisions within Lafarge."

Mr Hughes revealed that Durham County Council had asked the company to defer the closure.

He said: "They suggested putting it back for a year or two to allow alternatives to be put in place."