Workers at the Pirelli Tyre plants in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent have voted in favour of industrial action following their rejection of the company’s final pay offer of 2.2%.

T&G balloted just over 900 manual workers on whether or not to take industrial action. From a turnout of 730, 66.4% voted in favour.

Peter Booth, T&G national organizer for manufacturing, says: “Pirelli Tyres is one of the most profitable parts of the group and our members clearly feel that a below inflation pay offer does not reflect their expectations, particularly with rising prices of energy.”

Union shop stewards are now set to meet to decide what action to take.

“We have informed the company of the ballot result and urge them to reconsider,” continues Booth. Pirelli is refusing to comment on the situation.

The other trade union operating at Pirelli is Amicus, which represents 200 workers at the plants, who voted for action short of a strike. Amicus is not commenting further on the situation at present.