The Bakers Food and Allied Workers’ Union has postponed a series of strikes at the Maple Leaf bakery plant in Walsall as discussions with management at the company continue.

The first of a series of two-day strikes, which was due to take place on 11-12 August, was called off at the last minute, to allow more time for discussions, said the union’s regional officer John Higgins.

Staff were balloted over industrial action in June, with 108 employees from the site in Birchills, which employs more than 200, voting in favour of strike action, while seven voted against.

According to the union, the dispute centres around employees having refused to sign new contracts, which alter their terms, reducing pay, holiday and overtime bonuses.

>>Union to ballot staff at Maple Leaf for strike