MORE than 70 protesters converged on the Blackburn base of CD manufacturers PolyGram on the anniversary of when a former packing worker lost his job.

The demonstration by the Reinstate Nigel Cook Campaign (RNCC) - formed to fight against the use of casual labour and payment of poverty wage to workers - attracted supporters from across the country, who arrived on coaches to take part in the demonstration.

Police were drafted in to make sure the demonstration in Philips Road passed peacefully. One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after several of the protesters ran at the factory gates and managed to enter the grounds. He was later released without charge.

The group claim that Nigel Cook was unfairly sacked 12 months ago after he organised a union at M & S Packing (Blackburn) Ltd to publicise the 'appalling' work conditions he witnessed at the company, which packs CDs for PolyGram.

Bill Beddows, managing director of Polygram, said: "I would like to stress that this dispute is between M & S packaging and has nothing to do with us. Mr Cook has never been employed by us.

"I witnessed the demonstration. It caused no disruption to our work and the incident when the protesters came through the gates was unusual in that they are usually quite disciplined."

M & S Packaging, which neighbours Polygram, maintains that it fully complies with all the relevant industrial and health and safety legislation and values the welfare of its staff.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.