TRADE unionists in Manchester mobilised today in support of 70 workers who have been striking for three months over poor pay.

Workers at pallet manufacturer Chep in the city’s Trafford district launched the action in December.

Manchester Trades Union Council (TUC) organised the early morning rally as negotiations were about to start after a second statutory ballot produced a massive 94 per cent vote in favour of continuing the strike.

Manchester TUC secretary Ian Allinson said: “We had people from RMT, Unite Community, PCS, Equity, Manchester and Bolton TUCs, the People’s Assembly, Unison and others.

“We wanted to show the striking workers that they have support across the trade union movement.

“It was an incredible reballot result of over 90 per cent, which shows their determination to stay out.”

RPI inflation was announced to be 7.8 per cent today, but management has proposed a mere 2 per cent pay rise.

Chep supplies pallets to internationally known companies including Heinz and Heineken.

A company spokesperson said: “We have a long history of successful, good-faith negotiations and hope an agreement will be reached soon.”