WORKERS at iconic laminates manufacturer Formica have urged bosses to “get round the table” and negotiate over pay before they are hit by strike action.

Members of general union GMB at the US-owned firm’s factory in North Shields, Tyneside, are operating an overtime ban after 99.5 per cent of the workforce rejected a 3.25 per cent pay offer.

The factory employs around 300 workers.

GMB organiser Joyce Guthrie said: “Ironically for a company best known for its quality tables, Formica is currently refusing to sit down with workers and their union.

“For many years whole families have served this iconic North Shields business, only to be now let down by a corporate conglomerate.

“Our members will not tolerate being lowballed in their pay claim.

“Unless Formica get back round the table, we will have no choice but to take strike action.”

Strike action is to start on June 20.