WORKERS left without redundancy pay after their American-owned factories went into receivership, are in the US hoping to confront a company boss today.

The GMB union claims the 850 staff laid off when Viasystems went into receivership, with the closure of factories in North and South Tyneside, are still awaiting pay-offs averaging £27,000 each.

Three former Viasystems employees travelled to Texas at the weekend, hoping to set up a meeting with Thomas Hicks.

He is chairman of the Viasystems Group, the parent company of the business that went into receivership.

GMB general secretary Kevin Curran, the union's regional head at the time of the closures, in 2001, said: "Our members have been left in limbo for too long. Many have lost their homes and their hope. They have tried to survive after giving the company years of service, many in excess of 20 years."

Tom Ross, the union's senior organiser, said workers were put at the end of a lengthy list of creditors and hope is now fading that they will ever receive anything.

The delegation includes Val Smith, a 33-year Viasystems veteran, who has travelled to Texas as a final bid to seek some form of redress.

"Former workers are confused and are still reeling from the closure of Viasystems.

"Many counted on these good jobs to support them and their families, and invested in the company pension scheme to support them in retirement."

The GMB claims former employees have only received the statutory redundancy package based on a maximum of £240 per year of service, for up to 20 years.