WORKERS who have not had a pay increase for two-and-a-half years have called off strike action after a four month-long dispute.

About 50 mains layers and road surfacers from McAlpine's Great Harwood's plant, in Heys Lane, staged a series of strikes after management refused to offer them a three per cent or inflationary level pay rise.

But the workers, members of the GMB Union, have cancelled the remainder of their one-day strikes -- the next one of which was due next Wednesday -- and vowed to pursue their claim through other means.

They joined a union earlier this year to help with the battle. But Neil Holden, of the GMB union, said the company had stonewalled the workers and had referred them to their offer of a share in a bonus scheme.

Mr Holden also said the company had brought in a number of subcontractors to ensure work was completed and the company would not be adversely affected by the strikes.

But he said the company will suffer because they had alienated a lot of their highly skilled staff, who now have low morale or have left to join other companies offering higher wages.

Mr Holden, North West regional officer, said: "What was happening was the company was bringing extra sub contractors in because they were losing money with the workers being out.

"The workers decided they will return to work, but they are very disappointed because the company did not move an inch. All they wanted was a three per cent standard cost of living increase, but all the company offered was the bonus scheme that can be taken away at any time.

"A lot of people were leaving the company for better paid jobs in other companies. Morale is very low and they have lost a lot of good men who have gone to other companies.

"The company are going to have a problem with that because they are productivity-based and rely on a highly motivated workforce.

"We have not really had time to contemplate the next step yet but it is something we will be deciding shortly."

The company was unavailable for comment.