Ainscough’s revised two year pay offer of 2.5% and 2.75% was overwhelmingly rejected by driver members of Unite the union’s crane operator members.

A strike ballot will now open on Thursday and close on Monday 11 January 2016.

Any strike action would involve up to 500 crane operators across 30 depots causing chaos across the industry.

Bernard McAulay, Unite national officer for construction said: “Sadly, despite repeated attempts and long drawn out negotiations to resolve the pay dispute, we have been left with no option but to move to a full industrial action ballot.

“Our members have a fantastic track record. They consistently deliver across all industrial sectors in some of the most difficult working environments, helping to make Ainscough the envy of the UK crane industry.

“Now is the time for the company to recognise their contribution and step back from the brink.

“The last thing our members want to do is take strike action. The company’s continued refusal to recognise their invaluable contribution to Ainscough’s success is the final straw.”