Ropemakers 'first ever' strike action over pay

ROPEMAKERS at Bridon International in Wallsend took to the picket line in their first ever strike action.

- SAM VOLPE

This comes over a pay dispute though bosses at the firm, part of Bridon-Beckaert said they were committed to "reaching resolution" with trade unions soon.

The strike has been called by around 100 members of the GMB union at the historic ropemakers. Ropemaking on the Tyne dates back to the 18th Century. The plant at Wallsend sees steel ropes produced - often used in cranes, for example.

The pay dispute comes after an initial pay offer worth 2.2% was made and rejected. A followup of 2.5%, and a second followup of 2.5% for both this year and next, have both since been rejected overwhelmingly by union members.