PAY strikes at two car factories in County Durham have continued into their second week after unions have berated the “insulting” pay offers that have been put forward for staff.

Employees at NSK Bearings and AKS Precision Ball in Peterlee began striking at the site on Wednesday (March 23), with more industrial action seen today (April 2).

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

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Unite the Union, who are representing the staff, have already threatened that the industrial action could disrupt supply chains for automakers.

Already, car brands such as VW, Toyota and Renault have been affected during the planned strike action, according to Unite.

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

The Northern Echo: Strike action from workers at NSK today (April 2). Picture: GRAHAME MORRIS.Strike action from workers at NSK today (April 2). Picture: GRAHAME MORRIS.

“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, added: “NSK Europe brings in staggering amounts of money, yet our members’ pay has been eroded for years.

The Northern Echo: Unite the Union, who are representing the staff, have already threatened that the industrial action could disrupt supply chains for automakers. Picture: GRAHAME MORRIS MP.Unite the Union, who are representing the staff, have already threatened that the industrial action could disrupt supply chains for automakers. Picture: GRAHAME MORRIS MP.

“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.”

Alongside the union’s backing, Labour MP for Easington, Grahame Morris has put his support forward for the workers at NSK Europe, and even joined the staff at the factory this morning.

The Northern Echo: Easington MP, Grahame Morris. Picture: GRAHAME MORRIS MP.Easington MP, Grahame Morris. Picture: GRAHAME MORRIS MP.

He said: “Solidarity with UNITE members at NSK. I support calls for NSK Europe to return to negotiations and deliver a fair settlement to safeguard the living standards of the workforce at Peterlee who have sustained and made NSK profitable over many decades."

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

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