EMPLOYEES of a Carlisle manufacturer have been striking today (May 11) following demands that a pay offer was deemed 'unacceptable'. 

Crown Bevcan, a soft and alcoholic drink can manufacturer on Borland Avenue, will see around 200 employees stage two 24-hour strikes on May 11 and Saturday, May 14, after a dispute over a 3 per cent pay offer and one-off payment has yet to be resolved. 

Demands are being made that the manufacturer meets a pay deal that accurately reflects what is being felt by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

News and Star: UNITE: Members outside Borland Ave premiseUNITE: Members outside Borland Ave premise

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Crown Holdings makes billions yet it expects its Carlisle workers to accept what amounts to a pay cut.

"This is plain boardroom greed and it is unacceptable to Unite.

"Crown Holdings needs to think again and offer a deal that reflects the punishing living costs our members are having to cope with." 

Unite regional officer, Malcolm Carruthers, said: "Crown Holdings can clearly afford to give its workers a fair pay rise. There is still time to call the strike action off, but for that to happen Crown must return to negotiations with an offer our members can accept." 

Crown Bevcan have been approached for comment. 

READ MORE: Workington Academy achieves Good rating in Ofsted report