Hanson tries to avert strike at brick works

Hanson Brick will launch a last-ditch attempt to avert strike action at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) between union officials and senior management of Britain's largest brick manufacturer.

The meeting follows the decision by the TGWU members of Hanson's workforce to stage a series of one-day strikes.

Last week Hanson was confident the ballot would not result in strike action, having offered a revised pay offer of 3.4% over 15 months.

Hanson Brick operations director Keith Shankland said: "Further negotiations will take place.

"We are holding a meeting on Thursday 22 May and are hopeful that we can reach a satisfactory conclusion and avoid strike action."

The TGWU is the main union representing the near 1,400 operatives at Hanson Brick. Members of the GMB have also voted for industrial action. A ballot of Amicus members closed this week.

A joint union meeting to fix strike dates is expected this week.

n Industrial action also continues to loom in the opencast mining sector where contractors have made a 2.3% pay offer for this year. TGWU national secretary for construction Bob Blackman said: "This is the most disappointing pay review I have been involved in. I accept there are trading difficulties, but there are obligations that go with a national agreement."