WORKERS have called off potential strike action at Cammell Laird shipyard in a dispute over pay after voting to accept an improved offer.

A ban on overtime and other action short of a strike began on September 11 and a 24-hour walk-out was due to take place on September 22 if “meaningful talks” were not restarted.

But trade union GMB today said 560 workers at the Birkenhead yard have voted overwhelmingly to accept an improved pay offer.

Albi McGuigan, GMB regional officer, said:”There were talks on Friday, September 12 with senior management where we were able to negotiate an improved offer to take back to the workforce.

“There was a mass meeting of the workforce in the yard to discuss the improved offer. This was accepted by a huge majority.

“The agreement will cover the next three years and will provide the workforce with a guaranteed increase in their pay rates.

“The pay dispute has been settled and the strike action due next week has been called off.”