WORKERS at one of Burnley's biggest employers went on strike this morning after last-ditch talks failed in a dispute over pay.

Staff at aircraft parts makers Aircelle walked out after the company failed to improve an offer of a below-inflation 2.5 per cent rise.

Negotiations have been ongoing between union representatives and company bosses at the Bancroft Road site, where around 600 people work, but deadlock has resulted in the walk-out.

Around 300 staff took part in the strike which followed earlier planned industrial action. Staff have already been working to an overtime ban.

Many picketed outside the factory gates.

Regional officer for union Amicus, Dave Gorton, said: "The pay offer from the company has not met our expectations and therefore we are taking this strike action.

"Our members are also very unhappy that the company has employed contractors and has given them a loyalty bonus which has not been given to some other staff who have been there for up to 20 years."

Shop convener Tim Stevenson added: "We had some last ditch talks with the company yesterday afternoon but unfortunately their offer was unacceptable to the workforce and therefore we are taking this action and will continue to take further strike action."

The company's human resources director, Anne Harkin, said: "We made a slightly enhanced offer to the workforce along with an element of performance-related pay but the workforce decided it did not meet their expectations.

"We will keep talking in the hope that we will be able to reach a resolution."

Aircelle formerly Hurel Hispano is one of the leading players in the worldwide nacelle market making, hubs for aircraft engines.

A subsidiary of the French SAFRAN group, it has an annual turnover of approximately 536 million euros and a workforce of 2,600.