Workers at aluminium factor Aldel have been faced with average pay cuts of 30% following the company’s relaunch, broadcaster Nos said on Thursday.

The new wages are in line with metal working sector pay scales but some people will earn up to €700 a month less, union officials say. Staff have rejected the pay deal, paving the way for further industrial unrest at the plant.

The smelter, in Delfzijl in northern Groningen had to close at the end of last year because of financial problems, which had been made worse by the high cost of electricity. The company’s American major shareholder Gary Klesch came up with a new investment plan to keep the plant open, saving 600 direct and indirect jobs.

‘Aluminium smelter wages are certainly not the biggest cost to the company but the American owner wants to make money on them as well,’ a union spokesman told the broadcaster. ‘Workers’ loyalty has been seriously dented by what has been offered them now.’