LORNA MARSH Nearly 200 workers at one of Norfolk's leading double glazing companies embarked on a series of strikes today pledging that they would continue action until a long running pay dispute was resolved.

LORNA MARSH

Nearly 200 workers at one of Norfolk's leading double glazing companies embarked on a series of strikes today pledging that they would continue action until a long running pay dispute was resolved.

Picket lines outside Anglian Windows in Liberator Road, Norwich, started forming from 5.30am blocking the main entrance to the plant.

All four entrances to the site were covered as dozens of GMB union members worked in shifts to picket them with only about 12 employees going in to work alongside agency staff who were drafted in to cover the shortage.

The dispute centres on a change in the demand for wood effect (foil) windows as opposed to standard white models.

GMB members work on a piece rate system and workers want the rate for making wood effect windows to be increased in line with a study that found they took 18pc more time to produce. They also want to see the increase backdated.

The company has offered a 0.2pc increase and £150 worth of back pay as opposed to the £1,500 to £1,800 members claim they are owed.

Fred Tanti, of the GMB, said the offer was an “insult” and that strikes would continue over 24 hours of the 47.5 hour working week.

“We have had a good response from our members. We just want to talk and resolve this and get back to work to produce windows but we have been promised this money.”

The action follows a high court battle between Anglian Windows and the GMB after the company claimed the ballot process was illegal but the union won.