PAY strikes at car bearing factories in County Durham are expected to disrupt supply chains for key autormakers union leaders have warned.

Unite union says automakers, including VW, Toyota and Renault, Unite, will be affected by industrial action planned at NSK Bearings and AKS Precision Ball in Peterlee.

Around 200 workers, comprising the entire shopfloor workforce at the two factories, both owned by NSK Europe, will take strike action every Wednesday and Saturday for the next six weeks over an “insulting” 1.6 per cent pay offer.

Read  more: Workers at GSK in Barnard Castle could strike over 'insulting' pay talks

The first strike will begin on Wednesday (March 23) with the possibility of industrial action intensifying if a new offer is not put forward.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This insulting pay offer has left these workers with no choice but to take strike action.

“Unite is here to defend and improve our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and NSK Europe’s Peterlee staff will be receiving the union’s full support during their fight for a decent pay rise.”

According to its latest financial report, NSK Europe brought in gross profits of more than £80 million for the year ending 31 March 2021.

Unite regional officer Nick Halton said: “NSK Europe brings in staggering amounts of money, yet our members’ pay has been eroded for years.

“They have had enough and are determined to strike until NSK puts forward an acceptable pay offer. The longer that takes to happen, the more these strikes will intensify, and the more disruption will be caused to NSK’s clients, including VW, Toyota and Renault.”

There was no one available at NSK Bearings in the UK for comment.

 

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054