MORE than 300 Newport steelworkers are to be balloted over industrial action in a row with Corus.

Workers at the Orb plant are taking action because of alleged non-payment of bonuses by the UK steel giant.

It follows similar decisions by steelworkers at Corus' sites in Corby and Hartlepool.

Bonuses could be up to 20 per cent of take home pay, said a spokeman for the Community Union who are representing the employees.

Community said employees were outraged at the actions of the company which they called a violation of of more than 30 years of procedure and custom and practice.

National officer for steel Roy Rickhuss said members had taken a stand and would not let Corus rip up their contracts.

He added the union had repeatedly stated it was willing to sit down and talk but "we will not allow Corus to put a gun to our head and negotiate away our members' terms and conditions under duress".

He accused management of using the recession as an excuse to drive down wages and turn back the clock.

"Community Union will support our members as they seek to protect their families and their livelihoods."

A spokesman for the union said a date for the ballot in Newport was yet to be confirmed.

The one in Hartlepool has already begun and will close on November 9.

We were unable to contact a spokesman for Corus yesterday.

But last week it was reported that the company had written to employees explaining bonuses could not be paid for the quarter just ended because bonus agreements with the trade unions for 2009/10 had not yet been concluded.

The company was hopeful discussions with the unions would begin shortly and any payments due under the new agreements would be paid at the next scheduled payment date.