Workers at Browns meat factory in Kelloholm strike over pay

Workers have begun strike action at a Dumfriesshire meat processing factory over a pay dispute.

The Unite union said 180 production, distribution and maintenance staff had walked out at Browns in Kelloholm.

They are planning three days of consecutive strikes over the next three weeks. An overtime ban is also in effect until 18 September.

Unite said staff were being offered "poverty wages". Browns said the request for £13 per hour was unviable.

Unite members based at the Kelloholm plant near Sanquhar rejected an 11.8% pay offer from the company which equals the real living wage of £10.90 an hour.

Browns specialises in the production and manufacturing of cooked and sliced meats for a large range of businesses, supermarkets and schools.

Unite's Paul Bennett added: "Our members have no option but to take strike action because what's currently on the table from Browns does nothing to help them make ends meet.

"The company is in a very healthy financial position due to the hard work of our members, so it's scandalous that they are treating the workforce with such contempt."

A statement from Brown said they had tried to seek a solution and had made several offers including the latest 11.8% increase to take pay up to the real living wage equivalent and have offered to backdate it to April.

The firm said the strike action would have consequences to the business, employees and customers.