Ford workers in Dagenham and Stratford walked out in a 24-hour strike as part of a long-running dispute over their alleged “appalling treatment”.

Unite the Union claims that Ford has failed to offer its administrative workers a permanent pay increase and has instead offered a one-off payment for 2024 in an attempt to ease tension.

The global car manufacturer is also planning to change its long-standing sick pay policy as well as the collective bargaining agreement with Unite despite absence rates below two per cent, according to the Union.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, claimed that “Ford has launched a direct attack on its office workers’ pay and terms and conditions".

She said: “The company’s appalling treatment of our members has simply made them more determined to fight against these cruel and unnecessary changes and for a fair pay rise.

"They have Unite’s total and unflinching support as they strike for a better deal.”

Industrial action from Ford’s administrative employees across the country began on August 22 and with warnings to intensify action, a 24-hour strike took place on October 30.

Unite also said Ford managers it represents are in dispute with the company over pay.

They have been taking action short of strike action over Ford’s pay offer of only a performance related merit award, which the union claimed they are not guaranteed to receive.

“Unite has offered affordable and sensible counter proposals to end both disputes but Ford is refusing to engage in good faith negotiations” claimed the union. “Strikes will intensify if the dispute is not resolved."

In response to Unite’s claims, a Ford spokesperson said: “Considering the overall competitiveness of our general salary roll employee pay and benefits package, the company's final offer of a five per cent total pay increase is fair and balanced.

"We will continue to engage with Unite and our valued employees and endeavour to resolve the matter.”