Almost 100 Newcastle rope workers are set to strike in a dispute over pay.

Staff at Bridon International, in Wallsend, will stage three 24-hour strikes on 4, 18 and 30 of September.

The dispute stems from a 2.2 per cent pay offer made by the company – which amounts to a real terms pay cut.

Almost 90 per cent of GMB members who voted said they were ready to strike, on a 90 per cent turnout

Micheal Hunt, GMB Organiser, said:

“This ballot result shows the strength of feeling among staff at Bridon International.

“They work hard and deserve more than a real terms pay cut for their troubles.

“If Bridon wants to avert this strike, and the disruption it will cause, they need to pick up the phone and make our members a better offer, sharpish.”