South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the news that hundreds of workers at Gates Power Transmission in Dumfries will be balloted for industrial action over their employer’s attempts to impose real terms cuts on pay and conditions.

Their union GMB Scotland has served formal notice to management at the Dumfries based manufacturer that a statutory ballot, asking workers whether they will support strike action and action short of strike, will run from Monday 21 June until Monday 5 July.

Colin Smyth said: “Gates continued to operate at full capacity at the Dumfries site throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and the workers risked their health and wellbeing at the height of the pandemic to ensure production continued.

“A below inflation pay offer is a real kick in the teeth for those workers and it sends a terrible message to staff at a time when many people are struggling.

“I would urge Gates to reconsider their offer and give workers the recognition they deserve. No one wants industrial action but it is clearly a last resort for workers who feel badly let down by the company”