ABOUT 30 contractors are on strike today at a North-East pharmaceutical firm over pay.
Avecia, in Billingham, is building production facilities for bio-pharmaceutical products using natural or genetically engineered micro-organisms, a project which could create 300 jobs.
The work is being done by contractors employed by Jordans, who say they should have been on a basic rate of £10.05 per hour, but were only getting £9. It went up on Monday to £10.80 per hour, but the contractors say they are still only on £9.65. Talks between Amicus AEU, The GMB and Jordans have broken down so the contractors are to hold a one-day stoppage every Wednesday until further notice.
Nobody from Jordans was available for comment last night.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article