SHOPFLOOR workers at a Bolton window factory are to ballot for industrial action in a dispute over pay and work patterns.

Around half of the WHS Halo employees at Lostock Industrial Estate are members of the GMBU union, who say that two thirds of workers have rejected the company's package of proposals.

More than 50 workers were given 90 days notice of the changes by letter last Friday.

A ballot was held and the offer rejected. A second ballot was held because three workers did not receive a ballot paper. Staff then narrowly rejected the offer . Workers claim the new work pattern will cut down overtime hours because their contracted hours will be longer during busy months and shorter during quieter ones.

The employee said: "I think the new hours would have been accepted if more money had been offered. Even the 3.4pc offered would probably have been accepted had the hours not been changed."

Union members say they plan to hold a ballot for industrial action. The company refused to comment.

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