Workers at Futamura in Wigton are poised for strike action after pay talks failed.
Over 100 workers at the plant, which makes packaging, are set to be balloted by union GMB.
The union said pay talks, through ACAS, had failed to make progress.
The production workers rejected the company’s 1.2 per cent offer.
Two further proposals made by the company were also rejected, as the union claimed they required workers to self‑fund any increase through cuts to sick pay, alongside discussion of potential ‘affordable redundancies.’
GMB represents production workers, alongside wider teams of office staff, team leaders, engineers and electricians employed at the site.
Michael Hall, GMB regional organiser, said: “A 1.2 per cent rise is nowhere near enough, and the additional offers came with unacceptable detriments.
“Sick pay cuts and talk of redundancies do not form a credible pay deal.
“Our members have been patient, but they expect a fair, inflationary pay rise.
“The company should be listening, not digging in. Unless Futamura returns to the table with a realistic offer, this ballot will go ahead.”
Futamura has been approached for comment.
