A DISPUTE over pay will see 3,000 Sellafield workers go on strike tomorrow.

GMB, the union for nuclear members, has confirmed its workers are to stage the 24-hour industrial action starting at 6.01am on September 27 until 5.59am on September 28.

Picketing will take place at the site's North Gate, Main Gate and Calder Gate from the start of the strike and throughout Wednesday.

Chris Jukes, GMB senior organiser, said: "It is a crying shame that we have reached this position and there is huge frustration at the management culture inside Sellafield.

"GMB members have not sought dispute and they do not want to strike but Sellafield Limited has created this.

"Macho management and an upstairs-downstairs culture where the big bosses receive eye-watering bonuses while those on the shop floor have accepted - under sufferance - previous below inflation pay rises, seen worse terms and conditions for new starters imposed at vastly reduced rates of pay and, from next year, increased contributions for works pensions.

"A cultural overhaul in the management of Sellafield is urgently needed, without which the growth, jobs and new build in west Cumbria will remain elusive."

The move comes after 76 per cent of members voted to take strike action, with talks held between parties last week.

A spokesman for Sellafield said: "We believe a no-strings-attached 1.5 per cent pay increase is fair and reasonable. This is based on company affordability.

"We have been consistent throughout discussions with the trades unions and Prospect - which has collective bargaining rights for more than half our workforce - has accepted the offer.

"Our priority will be to ensure the site remains safe and secure. We are grateful to the GMB for agreeing to provide safety cover during the strike."