WORKERS are set to walk out at Harlow glassworks and the quarry supplying the plant in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Unite trade union will take forward strike action at the O-I glassworks on Edinburgh Way as part of a “fight for fair pay”.

More than 160 workers from the union will walk out across three sites, including those from the company’s plant in Edinburgh Way, Harlow.

It comes after hopes to of progress in the pay dispute collapsed last week when the company restated a pay increase offer of four per cent.

The trade union explained the real inflation rate stands at 11.1 per cent while the wider O-I company reported 6.4 per cent higher sales volume and “strong operating performance” in its March quarterly report.

O-I reported a segment operating profit of $231million in the first quarter, compared to $175million in the prior year quarter.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “O-I Glass is another shameful example of a business that can afford to pay a decent wage but won’t pay. The offer on the table is a pay cut, not a rise, and is entirely unacceptable.

“O-I Glass needs to return with an acceptable offer or face strike action by our members, who will have the full support of their union in this fight for fair pay.”

The trade union warned that as a result of the strike action, which could see further dates announced, big name brands could face bottle shortages.

A spokesperson for O-I told the Alloa Advertiser: “We are disappointed that one of the three unions at O-I has notified us that they will take industrial action.

“In a difficult business environment overall, O-I offers well-paid jobs in a critical industry producing the most sustainable rigid packaging.

“In view of increasing energy and raw material costs as well as uncertainty in the energy markets, we have made a very appropriate and reasonable offer to the union.

“We will continue to discuss this matter internally with our labour partners and aim for a constructive solution.”

Tony Devlin, Unite national officer, said their action comes only as a “last resort”.

He added: “This dispute will cause a considerable shortage of bottles for UK drinks companies but this is entirely of O-I Glass’ own making.

“The company has been given every opportunity to make a decent pay offer but it has chosen not to.

“Even at this late stage strike action and the extreme disruption to the company’s customers can still be avoided if O-I Glass make an offer that meets members’ expectations.”