MORE than 120 workers at a German-owned car component plant in East Ayrshire are due to launch strike action in a pay dispute today, Unite has said.

Kilmarnock-based staff at Mahle Engine Systems — which makes high-quality components for motorsport engines, combustion engines and electric vehicles — are set to down tools on seven intermittent dates up to June 1 after bosses failed to apply a wage boost to the entire workforce, according to the union.  

The industrial action, which also includes a three-month overtime ban running until August 14, comes after talks with management via conciliation service Acas came to nothing, Unite said.