Operators working for crane hire firm Ainscough have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action following a pay dispute.

Members of construction union Unite rejected the company's revised two year pay offer of 2.5% and 2.75%, after warnings that it 'failed to recognise' its workforce's contribution to last year's profits of £14 million.

Around 500 crane operator and support staff members have now voted 90% in favour for strike action.

A series of escalating strikes will take place across Ainscough's 30 UK depots, starting on 01 February until 23 March.

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In addition, a programme of overtime bans will begin on 30 January until 20 March.

Unite national officer for construction Bernard McAulay said the strength of the strike ballot result should serve as a "wake-up call" to management.

"Our members are highly skilled crane operatives working on some of the UK's premier construction sites in challenging conditions," he said.

"They deserve better from their multi-million profit making employer.

Our members' hard work, skills and dedication have helped make Ainscough the highly profitable and respected business it is today. They are justifiably angry that the company can boast of making a £14 million profit last year and yet offer a derisory pay increase in return.

"Ainscough needs to heed this warning and come back to the negotiating table with an improved pay offer or risk major disruption to its UK-wide operations."

As the UK's largest mobile crane hire firm, Ainscough's staff operate lifting services on significant construction projects including the M1 and M6 motorway upgrades and the new Forth Road Bridge.

(LM)