FOOD factory workers at the centre of an industrial dispute may vote for further strike action later this week.

Staff at Country Style Foods, in Stockton, are holding crisis talks with the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) as company bosses continue to refuse to hold discussions.

Alan Milne, of the BFAWU, has vowed to continue to fight for the interests of staff and is meeting shop stewards on Thursday.

"I am seeing them at lunchtime to discuss future action," he said.

Walkouts were held in April and May over a revised contract offered to new staff. Last month, staff began an overtime ban and began working to rule.

The BFAWU said the contract had removed bereavement leave, cut overtime rates and forced staff to opt out of the European Working Time Directive.