PRODUCTION of Newcastle Brown Ale could be affected after workers at the Tyne Brewery voted in favour of strike action over pay.

The maintenance crew at the Newcastle brewery, members of trade union Amicus, voted in favour of industrial action in a ballot this week.

It is believed that almost 30 of the maintenance staff could take strike action. The maintenance team is responsible for the bottling plant and electrical installation at the brewery.

A spokeswoman for Amicus confirmed the results of the ballot last night.

But a spokesman for the Tyne Brewery said it had not received formal confirmation of the ballot.

He said when that happened it would enter into negotiations with unions.

It is believed staff were offered two payments of £250 by employer Scottish Courage earlier this year.

But staff are campaigning for a permanent pay rise based on a percentage of their salaries.

They say they are entitled to at least a rise in line with inflation.

Unions met staff representatives last night to decide what the next step would be. Amicus regional organiser Mike Routledge said: "If the disagreement goes to a strike and then a problem arises, then production will have to stop.

"The offer from them has been a one-off cash payment. We have asked for a percentage so it is in the wage. We are not being greedy, but inflation is at 3.2 per cent."