Workers at a Whitefield flooring company have announced further strike action in a dispute over pay.

Almost 200 workers at Polyflor on Radcliffe New Road are staging three weeks of solid strike action after the firm suspended shifts earlier this month.

GMB Union members are holding pickets outside the factory from Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 10am and again between 4pm and 6pm, until Friday, October 14.

They began their latest round of industrial action on Monday, September 26.

Earlier this month, the vinyl floor covering manufacturer suspended shifts for almost 200 people after union members voted in favour of strike action.

Workers had originally voted to down tools for two hours every Wednesday until a deal with their employer was met.

GMB says employees must secure a 10 percent pay increase to ensure they cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

Bury Times: The Polyflor factory on Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield.The Polyflor factory on Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield. (Image: Google)

Stephen Boden, GMB regional organiser, said: “These dedicated workers are suffering from the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, rising interest rates and a crumbling economy.

“They need help from the company, and instead their getting vindictive attacks.

“Polyflor has money – it dished out £24m to shareholders.

“The workers who prop up the company need a proper pay rise too.”

In a letter to the company, Bury South MP Christian Wakefield condemned the suspensions, calling the move "fire and rehire lite".

Bury Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, also expressed his support for striking workers, urging the company come to a solution with its employees “which excludes the threat” of lay-offs.

Earlier this month, more than 80 GMB members gathered in Radcliffe town centre to protest the lay-offs and reiterate their demand for a 10 percent pay increase.

Speaking at the rally, GMB regional organiser John Waddington said: ““We’re hoping to resolve this matter, it’s in nobody’s interest, neither the company nor the workforce to stop the factory producing, to stop money being made.

“We want to get round the table with the employer.” 

In response to the strike, finance director at Polyflor, Oliver Gordon, said: "I can confirm that we made a pay offer to GMB back in June of an eight per cent increase. 

"This follows a five per cent award last year and annual increases in each of the last 35 years.

"74 employees voted for strike action of the 120 GMB members and they are on strike. 

"Contrary to previous comments on social media, no-one has been sacked, no-one has been locked out.

"The majority of our employees are in work.

"We are looking to continue a dialogue but we as a business are facing unprecedented increases in energy costs and shortages of raw materials. 

"It is fair to note that we were looking for union support to reduce absenteeism as part of the eight per cent pay offer (back in June) but this condition of the offer was dropped.

"We have tried to involve Mr Wakeford MP since he was very vocal as this dispute arose but he has not been available. 

"Our factory is surrounded by housing and our neighbours are not happy with the protests."