MORE than 160 members of staff are to begin four days of strikes at an Eastleigh electrical firm tomorrow after a pay row.

Workers at Prysmian Cables and Systems, on Chickenhall Lane in Eastleigh, are to hold four days of strike action in a dispute over a “below inflation” pay offer.

Union Unite, which has 162 members at the site, said workers had rejected a 2% pay offer for the year starting January 2018.

They said the offer was below inflation, with the consumer price index currently running at 2.7%.

Over the next four weeks, the workers will strike for four days, with the first beginning tomorrow.

Unite’s regional coordinating officer Debbie Watson said: “We had last-minute talks on Friday to resolve the dispute, but were unable to make the necessary progress so, as a last resort, our members are taking industrial action.

“The workers are very disappointed that the company, with its paltry 2% offer, is unwilling to acknowledge the hard work and commitment they have given to the company in the past year, which has enabled orders to be delivered on time.”

Today, a ‘work to rule’ begins, including a ban on overtime.

The 24-hour stoppages will start tomorrow, and also take place on October 3, 10 and 17.

The company manufactures energy cables from low voltage to extremely high voltage for land applications.

Debbie Watson added: “Workers are also outraged by the company’s hypocrisy as another bargaining unit within the group was offered a package which would see a 5% pay increase as average.

“Customers will be adversely affected as there will be delays in fulfilling their orders, which could have an impact on them reaching their own deadlines for project completion.

“So it is in the company’s interests to get around the table for meaningful talks on an improved offer.”

Members of Unite voted 83% in favour of strike action and 96% industrial action.

Despite a number of attempts, the company did not respond to a request for comment.