General union GMB will know the result of the consultative ballot on September 24.

A yes vote will see the union push for an official ballot for industrial action among its 500 members at the firm.

Allan Black GMB National Officer for building materials said “Aggregate Industries has a track record of imposing not consulting, telling not asking.”

Black said the proposed pay date change would “cause chaos” as workers may miss mortgage payments.

An Aggregate Industries spokesman told the Burton Mail: “Aggregate Industries operates in an industry which is facing severe trading conditions, with cuts in public expenditure affecting all areas of construction, particularly roads and major infrastructure projects.

“In order to try and improve and maintain its results and cash position and preserve as many jobs as possible for employees, the company has had to take several difficult steps, one of which is to delay the transfer date of salaries to its employees by a few days each month.”

The spokesman added: “The company has written personally to every employee to explain the decision.

“Decisions such as this are never popular but most employees understand the tough economic environment and appreciate the company’s efforts to continue its operations at as many sites as possible.”