Ford bosses and unions were today due to talk after more than a thousand workers at the Dagenham plant staged an unofficial strike.

It followed claims of racism and bullying at the plant.

Production of the top-selling Fiesta was hit as 1,200 workers deserted the plant for the first mass walkout there for 10 years.

Unions were today considering whether or not they should continue the dispute.

The action followed a number of incidents in recent weeks which have heightened tension at the factory.

One confrontation last week involved an Asian shop steward who was allegedly pushed by a white foreman.

Union leaders called for the foreman to be suspended, but the company refused, although the man was told to stay away from the shop floor.

Also, a mini-riot on the shop floor cost more than £7 million worth of Fiesta production when nightshift workers vandalised 50 cars, allegedly after an Asian worker complained of racism.

One worker who did not want to be named said: "There is outrage at the company's position on a whole range of issues ranging from bullying to equality of treatment."

Unions have withdrawn from the factory's equal opportunities committee and complained that local managers refuse to act on complaints.

Senior shop stewards reported back to workers on a meeting held with local managers and it is then that they walked out.

A Ford spokesman said: "We are unaware of the reasons for the action, but we are investigating to find out as soon as possible."

Union sources said 1,300 had walked out yesterday.

A Transport and General Workers Union spokesman said: "An injection of confidence is needed to end the walkout madness."

The union's general secretary, Bill Morris, has already called for a meeting with Ford president Jac Nasser to discuss matters.

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