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Hundreds of shipyard workers are to be balloted for strike action after employees were suspended for refusing to cross a picket line.

Unite and GMB members working at the Birkenhead facility refused to cross an RMT picket line at Cammell Laird shipyard on Tuesday.

Unite claimed the staff were suspended despite planned talks with the company to avoid a similar problem.

Cammell Laird has been contacted for a response.

Unite said seven members of staff, including Unite's convener and a further four members were informed on Thursday they were suspended pending a full disciplinary investigation.

The union said: "Outraged workers convened an emergency meeting and agreed to be balloted for potential strike action over the victimisation of the workers by Cammell Laird management."

The ballot for Unite members opens on 8 July and closes on 5 August.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This pathetic attempt to bully and victimise our members won't work and will end in failure. Our members are rightly furious and will have the full support of Unite as they are balloted."

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