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NEARLY 100 Durham chemical workers are set to strike today after accusing “Grinch bosses” of cancelling their Christmas holidays.
The staff, employed at the Thomas Swan factory in Consett, said management annulled all pre-booked time off over the festive period after they voted overwhelmingly to walk out following a real-terms pay cut.
Today’s 24-hour strike, which will be followed by further walkouts on December 7, 14 and 21 as well as January 4, was prompted by a revised below-inflation pay offer of just 5.1 per cent — capped at £1,500 — the GMB union stressed.
Organiser Laura Maughan said: “These dedicated workers put their lives on the line to keep the company afloat during the pandemic.
“Instead of recognising that, the company has hit them with a real-terms pay cut in the midst of a gruelling cost-of-living crisis.
“And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve resorted to Grinch tactics — Thomas Swan workers, many with young children, now won’t see their families over Christmas.”
Ms Maughan warned her members are “understandably angry, but they are ready to negotiate.”
The firm has been contacted for comment.
