Around 80 workers went on strike today at a Brierley Hill steel works after pay negotiations reached stalemate.

Union members staged the walkout at C Brown Steel Group in protest at a proposed salary increase of three per cent.

They are calling for double the figure, claiming the rise is needed as many of the workers are on minimum wage.

But bosses at the steel processing firm in Pedmore Road are refusing to budge saying their offer is fair. Senor shop steward, Geoff Gregory, 50, of Quarry Bank, who has been at the firm for 21 years, said workers planned to strike again on Friday.

He added: “They are difficult and dangerous jobs. We shouldn’t have people only getting minimum wage for doing these sort of jobs.”

Wolverhampton HGV driver, Roland Ball, 51, who has worked at the company for five years, said: “I came here to drive a lorry carrying nine tonnes of steel. I am now driving a lorry carrying the 16 tonnes of steel for the same rate.”

Steel shearer Brian Priest, 61, of Cradley Heath, said: “Over the last few years, the company has reported record profits but many of the wages have remained at the minimum rate.”

Managing director Neville Brown said: “We have made our offer. We believe it is a fair offer. It is a very sad day for Browns.”