The men worked at the Swan Hunter yard on Tyneside

The men, who worked for C and D Industrial Services, held an unofficial strike last week, but were told on Friday they had lost their jobs.

The contract workers claimed their pay was less than that of workers in similar positions at the yard, despite some having been there for up to 20 years.

Since 1990, the contract workers claim their pay has only increased by �3.30 an hour.

Union bosses had urged the men not to walk out. But following an unofficial stoppage, the men were sacked.

On Monday union leaders hope to persuade shipyard bosses to reverse their decision and enter into talks about pay.

A spokesman for the Union Amicus said the men still had its support.

He said: "We are hoping we can enter into some positive discussions with the company and with the men concerned.

The men are all time-served craftsmen and they were receiving �1.95 an hour less than the time served craftsmen who work directly for the yard.

"They were advised and they knew there was a possibility they could be dismissed if they staged an unofficial walkout.

"We are supporting them on the claim, but we cannot condone the walkout."