This will be only the second strike at the factory since it opened in 1969 and the three days chosen are August 3, 4 and 17.

The 700 workers represent 70% of the workforce and Pirelli has to decide whether it will be worthwhile opening the factory with so many absent. Complete closure would mean a loss of production of around 10,000 tyres a day.

The T&G union balloted all of its 700 members at the plant earlier this month. The votes returned a two-thirds majority in favour of strike action, although the union has not revealed the number of ballot papers that were returned.

The strike is scheduled for 40 hours starting on Aug. 3-4. Then again for 24 hours on Aug. 17.

T&G regional industrial organiser Alan McGuckin is quoted as saying that outsourcing equals "job cuts by stealth" and that it could impact negatively on the quality of tyres produced.

For its part, Pirelli says it is "disappointed" at the union’s decision to strike and that the outsourcing "will not result in any loss of pay, jobs or any other terms and conditions held by Pirelli production staff."