Workers at a factory producing plastic film are launching a series of one day strikes over pay.
Employees at the British Polythene Industries site, in Stockton, have the backing of the Transport and General Workers Union in their struggle.
Staff have asked for a three per cent pay rise and rejected a 2.8 per cent offer, which incorporated a 0.3 per cent cost-cutting element.
The firm says it cannot afford to meet the workers' pay demands.
BPI managing director Steve Moss said: "The company has never faced such adverse trading conditions.''
Nearly 200 workers carried out a 24-hour stoppage on Saturday, with further one day strikes planned for this Wednesday and December 21.
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