STAFF at a North-East factory staged a mass walk-out yesterday in protest over the installation of cameras and a worker's dismissal.

About 70 out of 100 staff at Conder Products, on the South West Industrial Estate, in Peterlee, east Durham, began a 24-hour strike at 3pm.

Their protest was sparked by a worker's dismissal for an alleged breach of safety, and an ongoing dispute over the firm's installation of cameras at the fibre glass tank manufacturing plant.

Derek Cattell, regional organiser of the GMB union, which represents the striking staff, said last night: "This has been under discussion for some time, but we will try to resolve things tomorrow at a meeting with the company."

Sean Taylor, director and general manager at Conder Products, said: "As far as we're concerned, it's unofficial action. We are waiting for GMB representatives to come back to us and tell us their stance.

"The action was taken around an issue of health and safety, and we will be talking with the union."

Yesterday's walk-out comes after the factory suffered severe damage in two fires within a month last year.