Union members joined a rally in Radcliffe yesterday afternoon, Thursday, in protest to temporary layoffs at a borough company.

More than 80 GMB Union members gathered in Radcliffe town centre after Polyflor, a floorcovering manufacturer on Radcliffe New Road, suspended shifts for around 200 workers.

Protesters were joined by members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) who staged their own walk-out today as part of a dispute with Royal Mail over-pay.

Bury Times: GMB members at Hollinhurst Park, Radcliffe GMB members at Hollinhurst Park, Radcliffe (Image: Newsquest)

The rally was announced after Polyflor suspended all shifts for workers at its Whitefield factory who were set to take part in industrial action.

GMB says employees must secure a 10 percent pay increase to cope with the increasing cost of living.

The rally commenced at Haworth Court before protesters marched through the town up Stand Lane to Hollinhurst Park, which overlooks Polyflor’s Whitefield factory.

Speeches were made by union members who reiterated their commitment strike action until a satisfactory deal could be made.

READ MORE: Whitefield company suspends shifts after workers vote to strike

GMB regional organiser John Waddington, who spoke at the march, said: “Over 80 of our members turned out, I am very heartened by the response, to press the claim against the employer that they need to meet genuine cost of living increases.

“We’re asking for what we consider a is a reasonable pay increase of 10 per cent, [which] simply matches inflation and puts us back in the position we would have been in if we hadn’t had this fuel, cost of living crisis.

“In response to a two-hour threatened strike the employer has gone and locked us out for the entire week, I’m calling that disproportionate.

“We’re hoping to resolve this matter, it’s in nobody’s interest, neither the company nor the workforce to stop the factory producing, to stop money being made.

“We want to get round the table with the employer.”

READ MORE:Bury leaders condemn Polyflor staff suspensions

Earlier this week, Labour leaders in Bury condemned Polyflor for its decision to suspend striking workers.

In a letter addressed to company secretary David Fletcher, Bury South MP Christian Wakeford called the Polyflor’s “vindictive” and described its actions as “fire and rehire lite”.

He wrote: “As you will well know, the worker’s right to withdraw their labour is a fundamental right and workers are legally entitled to do so.”

Bury Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, urged Polyflor to come to a solution a with employees “which excludes the threat” of layoffs.

In a letter to the company, he said: “I am disappointed to hear this news, as will staff who merely wanted a fair pay settlement so they could keep up with the spiralling cost of living.

Labour councillor for Unsworth, Nathan Boroda expressed his support on Twitter, writing: “Solidarity with GMB union members at Polyflor in Whitefield.

“This outrageous behaviour cannot be allowed to stand.”

At the rally, GMB Members expressed support for further industrial actions until their demands were met.

Polyflor has declined to comment.