JLEElectricians' 10-day strike forces climbdown

Electricians on the £3 billion Jubilee Line Extension ended their wildcat strike this week, voting unanimously for a deal which represents a humiliating defeat for mechanical and electrical contractor Drake and Scull.

The 10-day strike was triggered by an attempt by Drake and Scull to transfer 12 men, including the safety representative, from London Bridge station, following complaints that the site's fire alarms were inaudible.

During the strike, Drake and Scull was insistent that it would transfer all the men except the safety rep. But the company was forced into a dramatic climbdown in order to see an end to the strike.

The 12-point deal (see right) not only sees all 12 electricians remaining at London Bridge but also includes a full safety inspection of the 16km site by AEEU safety officials in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.

The union is also planning to present the workforce's assessment of why the JLE is late, using evidence culled from all the sites.

It plans to present this report at a series of conciliatory meetings between the contractor, AEEU and the Joint Industry Board in December. Nor is there any deal to waive the Working Time Regulations, which means the electricians will continue to work no more than 45 hours a week.

However, a night shift will be introduced at London Bridge, but this will operate within the 48-hour maximum set by the regulations.

Although Drake and Scull ceded to their demands, the electricians are not hailing a victory. The mood is still one of suspicion and distrust, after a bitter strike which saw the workforce accused of vandalism, militancy, bullying and poor productivity. A shop steward said the decision to end the strike was close.

"There was a lot of concern about reprisals and the agreement to cease all unofficial action. It was close. It was only because all the shop stewards unanimously backed the 12-point agreement that we won the day," said the steward.

AEEU convenor Frank Westerman welcomed the end of the strike. He said: "I hope that we never again have to have a conflict like this. Our members are absolutely committed to ensure the line is completed on time but they must have the cooperation of the management on the project to ensure improved productivity."

Chris Raven, Drake and Scull's project director, said: "The agreement enables Drake and Scull to move forward positively with all parties working together. We will continue to maintain our excellent safety record, and provide our client with an installation we can be proud to be associated with."

Bechtel's Clifford Mumm, the JLE project director said: "I hope this gives us a fair day's work for a fair day's pay. Safety is and always has been top priority for the JLE, and no corners will be cut in the drive to complete the project on time."