CHANTS of “power to the people” rang out from picket lines today as crowds of workers staged an all-out strike in Rogerstone.

Around 100 workers at food factory RF Brookes gathered with signs and placards from 4.30am, protesting proposed changes to workers’ terms and conditions.

These include removing night shift allowance, working more bank holidays, lower overtime rates and the lowest hourly rate being increased for over 25s in line with UK Government’s National Living Wage.

Police were called to the scene of the protest after striking workers stopped lorries entering the site.

Risca cleaner, Dai Mort, 48, thought the turnout was “fantastic” and stated that many non-unionised workers had joined them for the day.

He said: “The goal is to get back to the table and talk sensibly about what’s going on here. The morale in the factory is at an all time low and many people are scared to go to work.”

Workers chanted and applauded as cars drove through the picket line, including protestor Annie Davies, 26, who has worked at the factory for nearly two years in the quality control department.

“We were told we were going to get living wage and then they take our shift allowance from us and combine it with our hourly pay. Our wages will stay the same,” she said.

“We were promised something we didn’t receive and I was told that if I wouldn’t sign the contract I should look for another job."

Father-of-two Martin Harris, 26, of St Brides Gardens, Maesglas, currently works part-time after returning from a period of leave for work related stress and states the contract will force him to work full time.

“I think it’s disgusting how we’re being pushed to sign these contracts for less pay [...] they say that their main priority is about the workers but as you can see by this strike, it is not the case,” he said.

National President of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, Ian Hodson, believes the workers will be “impacted severely” by the cuts.

“When the government introduced the living wage it was supposed to improve people’s lives but the consequence is that employers have taken the opportunity to reduce earned income," he said.

“Most of these people have lived in worked here for 30-40 years and now they’re being told that they have to suffer to come to work, losing their dignity and the shifts they’re currently working on."

Islwyn's MP Chris Evans added: "This is not right or fair. Many of the workers live in my constituency and they have my support. Nobody deserves to receive a pay cut through the back door when they are supposed to have a pay rise.

A spokesman for Brookes Avana said: “We're keen to continue talks so we can reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties.

"We had hoped industrial action could be avoided while talks are ongoing, however we have put contingency plans in place to ensure production is unaffected.

“Our number one priority is securing a sustainable future for everyone at the site.”

The protestors confirmed that if a resolution is not reached they will potentially hold another two-day strike next month.