Half the workforce at a family-owned Bradford manufacturing firm has walked out in protest at what union leaders branded a "derisory" pay offer.

About 100 workers at wire company Cold Drawn Products, which has sites at Scholes and Low Moor, took part in a 24-hour strike yesterday.

The staff, members of the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation, took part in the action in protest against the two per cent pay offer made by the firm which manufactures shaped and profile wires. They have planned another 24-hour stoppage for Monday unless the company matches the union demand for a three per cent rise.

Willie Patterson, ISTC regional officer for Yorkshire, said members were angered that the offer was below the rate of inflation and would lead to a "further decline" in living standards.

"The management does not appear to recognise the impact that a below-inflation increase will have on employees and their families," he said.

"They are not asking for the moon - all they are asking for is fair pay for the high performance they put in."

The firm's manufacturing director Steve Booth said the action followed a series of meetings with the ISTC and other employees' representatives over pay.

"Unfortunately, the ISTC has not agreed to the various proposals made and they have decided to take strike action over their claims," he said.

"The action is the first of its kind in the history of CDP and regrettably, there can be no winners.

"CDP is operating in a global environment and is a successful world-wide exporter, and the need to remain competitive is paramount.

"The company is continuing to explore all options with the ISTC."