We are glad to support the strikers at Friction Dynamex, for their fight is part of the struggle to establish a just and fair society

Dyfed Edwards

The legal industrial dispute started in April but two days after unanimously voting against the changes, which included the introduction of a four-day week without overtime, the workers were sacked and replaced with lower paid staff.

They are now awaiting a High Court hearing in the New Year.

However, in a show of support companies in Caernarfon will throw a Christmas party on Saturday at Glan Gwna, Caeathro for the strikers and their families.

Its the second time local small businesses have supported the strikers.

Several weeks ago they donated �1,000 to the strike fund.

The Christmas party has been organised by Dyfed Edwards of Curiad.

"We are again pleased to offer our support to the men and women who are fighting for justice." said Mr Edwards.

Workers have maintained a picket at the factory

"They deserve an opportunity to celebrate this time of year, just as others do.

"As companies and employers in the Caernarfon area, we do not exist in a vacuum - we serve the area in which we are established and react to events around us.

"We are glad to support the strikers at Friction Dynamex, for their fight is part of the struggle to establish a just and fair society - something that is relevant to us all, whether we are employees or employers."

On Thursday it was revealed that Craig Smith, the American owner of the plant, is to retain control of the factory under an arrangement he has reached with a group of creditors who were suing him in a multi-million dollar fraud case.

In an out-of-court settlement worked out in America, Mr Smith will have to pay around $6m to creditors of the now defunct Raymark company.

Under the agreement, the Smith family will also remain owners of the plant.

At one point the plaintiffs had asked that Smith turn over the plant to creditors as restitution.

The agreement will have to be finalised by the bankruptcy court in America in January.