Playmobil workers have, through a secret vote, approved proposals which are being made for a collective agreement, the union said this afternoon.

It did not say what the poroposals are.

Two weeks ago the workers were briefly locked out by the company after the union resorted to industrial action. The lockout ended when the two sides returned to talks.

Jason Deguara, secretary of the union's chemical workers' section, explained to the workers today how the talks had progressed and how the company was threatening to take the case before the industrial tribunal.

He said the workers' decision today did not rule out the possibility of the union taking industrial action, if required.

Union General Secretary Tony Zarb said the union would respect the workers' decision.