Peugeot workers to strike over pay

Workers at car giant Peugeot are to stage a one-day strike next month in a dispute over pay, union leaders announced.

The move follows rejection by employees at the company's plant in Coventry of a two-year pay offer worth 7.3%.

The walkout will hit the factory over February 13 and 14 because of different shift patterns.

Dave Osborne, the Transport and General Workers Union's national secretary for the car industry, said:

"The company should take notice of the wishes of the workforce who are seeking an improved offer.

"The unions are ready to talk at any time and we urge Peugeot to return to the negotiating table to reach a settlement and avert what could be a damaging dispute."

Union leaders said Peugeot was one of the most successful carmakers in the UK and should return to the negotiating table.

Peugeot said only 40% of workers eligible to vote had supported strike action.

The company said the 7.3% pay offer, coupled with other benefits, was "fair, reasonable and competitive".

A spokesman said: "The company believes that to embark on strike action at a time of considerable uncertainty in the world climate and the European automotive market would not be in the best interests of employees and would be seriously detrimental to the future investment and employment prospects at Peugeot facilities in the UK."

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