A writ for damages of £185,000 against the pottery workers' union CATU has been dropped after agreement was reached between the union and Wade Ceramics.
Beauford PLC, the owners of the Burslem-based pottery firm, issued the claim for damages over lost profits during five one-day strikes at the three factories earlier this year.

Mr Edward Duke, chief executive of Leeds-based Beauford, said the writ was issued after the CATU backed down on a promise made after an earlier court case.

The company took the union to the High Court in Manchester in February seeking an injunction against further strikes.

The case was thrown out and the judge granted costs against the company.

Both sides agreed they would pay their own costs, estimated at £11,000 in the case of the union .

In return the company agreed it would not pursue a claim for damages against the union.

But solicitors acting for the union sent an invoice to Beauford which retaliated with the damages claim.

Today Mr Duke said: ''I can confirm we have discussed the matter with the union and the writ has been withdrawn.

''I feel it was unfortunate this situation had to happen.

''We have received an apology from the union and the writ has been withdrawn.''

Mr Duke said he was looking forward to a good relationship with CATU in the future and the chance to work closely with them.

''What I would like to see is a strong union for the future with whom we can work closely,'' he said.

CATU general secretary Geoff Bagnall said: ''This matter has still to be discussed with our executive.''