Unite Members Strike At Car Parts Firm

40 Unite members at Metaldyne in Halifax – which makes car-engine parts – held a 24-hour strike to protest over proposed changes to working patterns.

Terry Copley, a member of Unite and an employee of 26 years, said: "Shifts have already changed twice in the past 12 months and we have bent over backwards and worked the new hours at the drop of a hat. All we want is the guarantee that our hours will stay the same."

Staff currently work three 12-hour shifts but say they have been asked to change to five eight-hour turns. Workers proposed a 12-month shift guarantee but say that was rejected and a six-month one was offered.

"We said that we wouldn't go on strike if a compromise of nine months was agreed but this was also rejected so we had no choice but to take action."

Union members say they plan to take further industrial action on December 17 if the issue is not resolved.