NINETY printers employed at Oxford University Press’s warehouse in Corby started a three-day strike yesterday.

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

Last year staff at the Northamptonshire site agreed to a pay freeze, but they are now seeking a pay deal of 4.2 per cent to catch up with colleagues in Oxford, who got a two per cent rise last year.

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 rise.

“Unite is fully behind our members. 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 throughout the negotiations. However, despite extensive discussions, we have as yet been unable to reach agreement.”