HOME appliances firm Glen Dimplex says it is "disappointed" after workers at its Whiston factory site voted to strike in a pay dispute.

The Star reported after Community Union members at Glen Dimplex, on Stoney Lane, voted to take strike action because of no agreement being reached in relation to pay.

The union says those striking are "skilled manufacturing workers" at the Stoney Lane site and that many of them are currently earning minimum wage.

However, Glen Dimplex said it "always paid our colleagues a competitive salary above minimum wage" and added it had "offered a significant pay increase along with a change to a shorter, four-day working week" which was rejected.

A spokesperson for Glen Dimplex Home Appliances said: “We are disappointed that members of the Community Union, who are employed by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances at our Prescot site, have announced their intention to strike for two weeks from August 7, in a dispute over pay.

“We have been in discussions with our colleagues, via representatives of the Community Union, for some time with regards their pay increase demands, with the aim of reaching an acceptable outcome.  A revised pay offer was made but that has recently been rejected.

“As a business, we have always paid our colleagues a competitive salary above minimum wage. This year we offered a significant pay increase along with a change to a shorter, four-day working week.

"However, this was rejected and pending a collective agreement some of our colleagues find themselves earning minimum wage following the national minimum wage increase in April this year.

“Manufacturing at the Prescot site will continue at reduced levels during the industrial action."

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Gavin Miller, Community Union's national officer for light industries, said: "Community members working at Glen Dimplex are a long-serving, loyal and skilled workforce who deserve to be paid a fair wage for their work. 

"Union reps have tabled several suggestions to try and reach a conclusion to these talks, but company representatives have dismissed all the ideas that have been tabled.

"Skilled work should attract skilled pay. Many of the workers on site currently are being paid minimum wage, put simply they deserve better from their employer."  

The union said workers do not want to strike but are "left with no alternative".

Community Union members will be participating in a march and rally in Prescot next Wednesday, August 9.

The march will begin in Eccleston Street at noon, culminating in a rally at Prescot Parish Church which will conclude by 1pm.