Staff at High Peak crane manufacturer set to strike in pay row

The industrial action - the first to be held at Street Crane for 20 years - was announced by the Unite union following rejection of a 2.5 per cent pay offer.

Unite, which represents around 35 production staff at the Chapel-en-le-Frith factory, said its members had voted unanimously for strike action.

Regional coordinating officer Shaun Lee said: “We have met with a brick wall, as the management have refused to negotiate in a constructive fashion.

“Our members have rejected the 2.5 per cent offer as they face rising household bills demonstrated by the retail price index (RPI) which is currently running at 3.5 per cent.

“The fact that our members voted by 100 per cent for strike action and that this is the first industrial action in 20 years shows the depth of anger our dedicated members feel at the hardline attitude adopted by this profitable company."

The first of the 24-hour stoppages is scheduled to start at 00.01 on Monday October 15, followed by strikes on October 22 and 29, and November 5.

If the dispute is not settled by then, the union said four 48-hour stoppages would go ahead on November 12, 19 and 26 and December 3, all commencing at 00:01.

Mr Lee added: "The strikes will hit orders to the firm’s customer base, which is an added incentive for the management to come to the table and negotiate a fair settlement for our members.”

Established nearly 70 years ago, Street Crane is the UK’s largest crane and hoist manufacturer, employing around 350 people. It is a major exporter to nearly 90 overseas distributors in 48 countries.

The company’s extensive product range includes overhead cranes, underhung cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, electric wire rope hoists, electric chain hoists, complete crane kits and crane components.

The Advertiser has contacted Street Crane for a comment.