WORKERS in the North Lanarkshire town of Cumbernauld began balloting today for industrial action against proposals to close their factory.

Unite members at the Cummins plant, which produces hydrogen cell batteries, are considering taking action next month over the management decision to shut it down.

A week before Christmas, the company said it would wind down manufacturing operations in the town.

Unite has said that bosses have refused to discuss the proposals with union representatives through arbitration service Acas.

They also say that the company has refused financial assistance from the Scottish government and has rejected a Holyrood plan to maintain and diversify the factory’s production.

Unite regional industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said: “Unite members have been left with no option but to hold an industrial action ballot.

“Unite members remain defiant and they are prepared to take all action necessary to secure some form of justice from this callous company.”