DOZENS of workers came out on strike at a car bearing factory in County Durham today (March 23) in the first day of industrial action which is expected to disrupt supply chains for key automakers.
Unite union says automakers, including VW, Toyota and Renault, Unite, will be affected by the action at NSK Bearings and AKS Precision Ball in Peterlee.
Around 200 workers, comprising the entire shopfloor workforce at the two factories, both owned by NSK Europe, will take strike action every Wednesday and Saturday for the next six weeks over an “insulting” 1.6 per cent pay offer.
Read more: Unite union workers set to strike at County Durham factory
The first strike involving about 100 workers began today (March 23) with the possibility of industrial action intensifying if a new offer is not put forward.
Unite regional officer Nick Halton said: “Spirits have been high on the picket line during the first day of strike action.
"Our members received a lot of support from the passing public and they are absolutely rock solid in their determination to receive a decent pay rise from NSK.
"Unite urges the company to end this dispute by putting forward an offer that is acceptable to our members.”
Earlier Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This insulting pay offer has left these workers with no choice but to take strike action.
“Unite is here to defend and improve our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and NSK Europe’s Peterlee staff will be receiving the union’s full support during their fight for a decent pay rise.”
According to its latest financial report, NSK Europe brought in gross profits of more than £80 million for the year ending 31 March 2021.
Unite regional officer Nick Halton said: “NSK Europe brings in staggering amounts of money, yet our members’ pay has been eroded for years.
“They have had enough and are determined to strike until NSK puts forward an acceptable pay offer. The longer that takes to happen, the more these strikes will intensify, and the more disruption will be caused to NSK’s clients, including VW, Toyota and Renault.”
There was no one available at NSK Bearings in the UK for comment.
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