The action was taken by 39 GMB members at the Digby Street site in Ilkeston after a change in shift pattern at neighbouring Amcor Flexibles Venus increased the rate of pay for its staff.

This is not quite the case, but this is how it is being perceived here, said Extrusion general manager Andy Chappell. Rates of pay are now different, but Extrusion [staff] are already well paid in the area.

A substantial offer put forward by management is being balloted on, but he believed a settlement would be reached. He hoped a meeting with the GMB today (7 August) would conclude the action and business at the 62-staff firm was unaffected.

The site manufactures polyethylene film for Amcor Flexibles Europes conversion sites.