Ninety printers employed at Oxford University Press's warehouse in Corby started a three-day strike today (Wednesday).

They are taking action after rejecting a pay offer of two per cent, which they say is well below the current cost of living of just over five per cent.

Last year the workforce agreed to a pay freeze, but is now seeking a pay deal of 4.2 per cent to catch up with colleagues in Oxford, who had a two per cent rise.

Tony Burke, assistant general secretary of their trade union, Unite, said: “Our members are determined to win a decent pay increase for this year. They accepted a pay freeze in 2009 when other workers got a pay increase.

"Unite is fully behind our members and we believe that the company should recognise the strength of our members case and open proper discussions to resolve this dispute.”

OUP spokesman Anna Baldwin said: "We believe we have made a very fair and reasonable final offer and are disappointed at the outcome of the ballot. OUP has been keen to maintain constructive dialogue with Unite representatives throughout the negotiation. However, despite extensive discussions, we have as yet been unable to reach agreement."