MP and council leader hit out after firm suspends shifts during strike over pay

Politicians have criticised a manufacturing firm in Bury after it shut down operations ahead of a strike by almost 200 staff. Employees at Polyflor in Whitefield took part in a two hour walkout on Wednesday in a row over pay.

But the GMB trade union said workers involved were told by bosses at the vinyl flooring firm not to turn up for their shifts this week, in a move described as a 'vindictive attack'. Polyflor said the shutdown was 'unavoidable' due to 'economic inefficiencies' caused by the strike.

In a letter to the company, Bury council leader Eamonn O'Brien said he 'stood with' the striking workers, adding: "It can't be right that hundreds of workers face reduced pay for exercising their right to industrial action."

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Bury South MP Christian Wakeford said staff were being treated 'no better off than workers on zero hours contracts'. In a letter to Polyflor he added: "It is frankly quite disturbing that you have used a clause in the workers' contract to intimidate them into backing down from strike action in what I can only describe as 'fire and rehire lite'."

Speaking yesterday, GMB regional organiser Stephen Boden said: "GMB has written to the company demanding an explanation. This looks like a vindictive attack on workers due to take legitimate industrial action over pay.

"Members are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, all they are looking for is a fair settlement of 10% - which is still below inflation. Meanwhile the company dishes out £24m to shareholders.

"GMB is encouraging bosses to get back around the table and enter meaningful negotiations to bring the dispute to a close."

A spokesperson for Polyflor told the