Last-minute pay talks between management and union officials broke down on Tuesday (22 March), following a strike ballot earlier thhis month.

According to Amicus Scotland assistant branch secretary Willie Wallace, all that was put forward by management was the same offer that had already been rejected.

Amicus assistant general secretary Tony Burke said the company had even rejected a proposal to hold talks with ACAS.

"The company does not want to seem to settle the issue. They have taken the workforce for granted for too long," said Burke.

Union members staged stage the first four-hour stoppage yesterday (23 March).

This will then be followed by a four-hour stoppage the next Thursday (30 March). The action will escalate to two four-hour stoppages in a week until an agreement is reached.