Workers protest over Wednesbury factory redundancies

Workers at Bridge Aluminium, in Bridge Street, Wednesbury, say around 20 people are set to lose their jobs.

Some have taken up the offer of voluntary redundancy while others have been forced to leave, the protesters said.

Angry workers said they had been trying to negotiate a better pay deal for a year.

A 24-hour strike was held yesterday, with employees making their point by taking to the streets outside the factory with placards and flags.

Bridge Aluminium, which employs 150 people in Wednesbury, casts parts for cars and counts Aston Martin and McClaren among its customers.

The company said it was 'not in a position' to comment on reports of redundancies but that the strike was 'unnecessary and completely avoidable'.

Jasy Bains, of Rosemary Crescent, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, is leaving after 11 years.

He said: "Everybody was shocked, they are all old-timers who have been here for years. I took voluntary redundancy because I can't work for this company any more.

"We have been pushing and pushing for an increase. We don't want much, just a little bit."

Another worker who has been at the company for more than 20 years said he had taken voluntary redundancy as he had 'had enough'.

The man, who did not want to give his name, said he felt the workforce had been treated unfairly.

He said: "They have got companies across the Midlands and some of them have had pay rises, we haven't had one for a couple of years.

"They asked for volunteers. Some have taken voluntary and another batch of people have been made redundant. I'm due to finish on the 27th of this month. I took voluntary, it's all down to the way we have been treated.

"I'm here to support the men who are still here. We've got to fight for what we believe in."

Jason Bradley, aged 33, of Pemberton Road, West Bromwich, who has worked for the firm for four years, said they would continue to strike every Wednesday until they get what they want.

He said: "The company is saying they have got no money to agree to our pay deal. We have been negotiating since January last year.

"They will now have to spend £250,000 making redundancies."

Krassi Stoyanova, spokeswoman for Caparo Industries, which runs the site, said: "The company is disappointed that it has not been able to reach agreement with the members of the Unite union. Whilst the business regrets this unnecessary and completely avoidable action, it is working hard to bring the current dispute to an end and resolve the situation as quickly as possible."