WORKERS at Fawley refinery are due to start a month-long strike today following the collapse of pay talks.
More than 200 members of Unite and around 100 members of the GMB union are caught up in a dispute involving contractors operating at the huge petro-chemical complex.
Welders, boilermakers, pipefitters, and scaffolders are among those taking part in industrial action.
The GMB has repeated its warning that the strike could disrupt fuel supplies, but ExxonMobil has said it "does not anticipate" any impact on customers.
Union bosses claim hopes of a last-minute deal were dashed when the contractors and their client, ExxonMobil, "failed to give the GMB an offer it could put to its members".
GMB regional organiser Bryan Hulley said: “Quite simply, the employers are solely responsible for this walk-out. Despite promises, we are yet to get a formal offer.
READ MORE: GMB members at Fawley refinery set to strike from November 21
“The belligerent stance the employers have taken - refusing to talk until the union suspend the strike, is seen by our members as just a further excuse not to find a settlement with a workforce who thoroughly deserve a pay increase.
“The companies have had ample notice of the impending dispute to get around the table to negotiate.
"They have simply refused and have instead worked actively to undermine a solid and collective call for fair pay, considering the incredible cost of living rises over the last 12 months.
“We will be stood at the gates of the refinery until such time as the game-playing stops and real negotiations begin.
"We have now issued notice to the employers of a further two weeks' action to follow the two weeks we already intend to take."
Speaking earlier this month an ExxonMobil spokesperson said: “This matter involves staff employed by contracting companies onsite, and relates to ongoing discussions over an incentive payment as part of nationally-agreed terms and conditions.
“We are disappointed at the outcome of the ballot and encourage union representatives to continue to work with employers to reach a resolution.
READ MORE: Fawley refinery workers could stage series of walk-outs
“We have a large and flexible workforce at Fawley and have resource plans to cover a range of scenarios. We do not anticipate any customer impact should action occur.”
More than 2,500 staff and contractors work at the site, said to be the biggest of its kind in the UK.
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