BMW workers striking over the company’s decision to close the final salary pension scheme have been issued with a threat should they engage in further industrial action.

It follows a series of 24-hour strikes which in recent weeks have taken place at BMW’s Swindon plant.

The company earlier this month made an offer to the workforce which involved members being able to choose between taking a £25,000 tax free payment, split over three years, which would be placed into a defined contribution scheme, or accepting a payment of £22,000, which would be subject to tax and national insurance deductions.

But members of the union Unite voted to reject it, with 56.6 per cent voting against the deal and 43.4 per cent voting to accept it.

In a letter sent to members, the union said: “A meeting was held at the Unite offices in London on June 16 with senior management of the company.

“BMW put forward their final proposals, which they have confirmed is their last proposal and will not be altered.”

The letter made it clear that, should members vote for further strike action, the company would terminate their contracts.

Unite said: “The company has advised Unite officials to advise members that if the proposal is rejected in the ballot and Unite issues notice of further industrial action, they will give notice to all members to terminate their contract and re-engage on new terms of employment which excludes the offer of transition payments.”

Speaking about the threat, Unite’s Swindon representative John McGookin said: “Nobody is happy about this at all. The company is basically saying that enough is enough and our patience has run out.”

A spokesman from BMW said: “Following further discussions with union representatives, the company has tabled a re-shaped and final offer designed to support employees during the company’s proposed move to its new UK pension arrangements.

“We believe this final offer to be fair and in the long-term interests of both the company and all our employees.”

The ballot will take place from Friday, June 30, to Friday, July 7. The results will be announced on Monday, July 10.

Mr McGookin was unable to say whether or not more strikes were likely.