Workers at the Remploy factory in Dundee spoke of their fears for the future while on the picket line on Thursday.
They were taking part in a national strike to show solidarity with 27 sister factories across the UK which the Government has ordered to close.
Although the Dunsinane Avenue site is not under threat of closure, staff are worried about its eventual fate.
GMB shop steward Derek Milligan said: ”Dundee isn’t on the closure list as of yet but a private company could come in and take over we’re not guaranteed our terms and conditions, or even that disabled workers will keep their jobs.
”The Government has said they’ll pay redundancy packages for disabled workers, so it’s not even about saving money it’s going to cost more money to pay people off than it would to keep the factories open.”
Around 15 workers joined the picket line in the morning and some workers remained outside the premises throughout the day.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: ”We’re disappointed that the unions are taking strike action which will do nothing to secure the future jobs of Remploy staff.
”The Government would encourage the trade unions to fully engage with Remploy during the consultation process to provide the best possible support and success for disabled staff who may leave the company.”
This was the first of two planned 24-hour stoppages at all of Remploy’s factories. The second will be next Thursday.
Sally Kosky, national officer for the Unite union, said: ”We are expecting the vast majority of the workforce across the 54 factories to strike. They are rightly angry that they face a bleak future on the dole, as it is always more difficult for those with disabilities to obtain employment.”
The Government confirmed last week that it plans to close the loss-making factories between August and December, with the loss of more than 1,400 jobs, all but 200 of them held by disabled workers.
Motherwell is on the hit list and Aberdeen and Edinburgh are among the others to have received bids from potential buyers.
Ministers have argued that the £320 million budget for disabled employment services could be better spent but opposition MPs have insisted that Remploy does valuable work and its disabled employees are being left to face an uncertain future.
Labour MP Jim McGovern has repeatedly stressed the need to keep the Dundee factory going. He recently pressed the defence procurement minister to pay a visit later this year to see uniforms being made.
He said: ”I was happy to join the Remploy staff today on the picket line. The way the company has been treated by the Government is shameful and it is important that we do all we can to ensure a successful future for the remaining Remploy factories.
”As the Dundee factory goes forward for privatisation we will be seeking assurances that jobs will be protected and the excellent work done to provide work and training opportunities for disabled and able-bodied workers is protected.”
Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick also joined workers and shop stewards outside the factory.
He said: ”I was happy to support the workers today at Remploy. I recognise their hard work and dedication. Remploy has a highly skilled workforce and they make fantastic products.
”The workers are concerned for their jobs and for the future of the Remploy service overall and they deserve our full support.”