Sacked workers involved in one of the UK's longest running industrial disputes have received key support from a leading union chief.

On the eve of a protest rally by the Friction Dynamex workers in north Wales, the leader of the Transport & General Workers' Union, Bill Morris, urged the UK Government to give employees more protection against being sacked.

Bill Morris has backed Friction Dynamex workers

Mr Morris said a rule allowing striking workers to be sacked eight weeks after the start of a dispute was "weak and ineffectual".

The 87 sacked Friction Dynamex workers won a landmark industrial against their employer Craig Smith.

The tribunal concluded the American employer had unfairly dismissed his staff without making any attempt to resolve the dispute.

Mr Smith has lodged an appeal against the decision.

On Saturday, Mr Morris will lead the Friction Dynamex workers on a rally through Caernarfon, north Wales.

'Courageous workers'

They began a continuous 24-hour strike in April 2001 after the introduction of a pay cut and other changes to working conditions at the plant.

They have continued the picket - even since winning the tribunal in November - and have been given support in their fight by the local community and politicians.

Mr Morris said the workers' case showed a "clear need" for the UK Government to change the existing employment laws.

"The courageous workers of Friction Dynamex have earned their place in history, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the early pioneers in the T&G and the wider trade union movement.

A picket is continuing despite the legal victory

"We salute their bravery and determination never to give up the struggle for justice."

The union leader added: "Never again should employers be allowed to take strength from a weak and ineffectual law enabling them to sack workers.

"Workers who discharge their legal obligations before taking industrial action should deserve more than a mere eight weeks protection.

"The Government must now use the current review of the Employment Relations Act and plug the eight-week loophole.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry said the introduction of the 1999 Employment Relations Act had brought in better protection for workers.

"We are currently reviewing the operation of the act and will publish the results of that review very shortly."