WORKERS at one of Clitheroe's largest employers are to go on strike for the first time in its 65-year history.

Between 60 and 70 employees at chemicals firm Johnson Matthey Catalysts, the former ICI factory, are expected to stage the one-day walk out in protest over pay and conditions.

The workforce voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a ballot.

Workers will stage the 24-hour walk out at the factory, on the Pimlico Industrial Estate, on Friday, December 3, starting at 6am.

They voted for industrial action after rejecting the company's annual pay offer of three per cent.

They also claim the company has failed to honour a commitment, made in 2003, that jobs would be re-graded.

Instead, they say the firm has introduced a number of changes to terms and conditions that could reduce benefits and lead to pay cuts.

The strike was called by on-site representatives of both GMB and Amicus unions.

An Amicus rep said: "This is the first strike since the company was built in 1939, so that tells you the strength of feeling.

"We feel we have been forced into this because of the company's refusal to sit down and talk with us."

"We are not a gang of militant left wingers, we just think that Johnson Matthey should move with the times.

"Employees felt the company's proposals and the pay offer were unacceptable, especially against profits made by Johnson Matthey since it acquired the catalyst business from ICI in 2002.

But Johnson Matthey site manager Tony Flannigan said: "After pay negotiations at the Clitheroe site with the GMB and Amicus trade unions, the workforce have rejected an offer to increase salaries by three per cent and voted in favour of taking industrial action.

"We are very disappointed with this decision ."