MPA talks on hold for T5 workers

Question marks hang over talks between M&E contractors and unions about the introduction of the Major Projects Agreement (MPA) at T5. The talks were due to start this week, but were cancelled at the eleventh hour.

The talks hit the buffers after AEEU officials refused to attend in protest at the employers' failure to hire two designated workforce representatives in time for the opening negotiations.

The M&E employers - Amec, Balfour Kilpatrick and Crown House - have since given an assurance that the designated representatives will be employed by the end of the month.

An AEEU spokesman said: "We have always said we are not prepared to negotiate without the designated reps at the table. I understand the employers have now agreed to do this by the end of the month. But that means talks will not be starting until November at the earliest."

AEEU national officer Paul Corby accused BAA of dragging its feet "I sincerely hope BAA is going to see sense and apply the agreement as speedily as possible. We are bewildered and increasingly frustrated by its procrastination."

Some union activists believe BAA sees the MPA as too costly. But one warned: "Costs will be even higher if it doesn't implement the MPA. Our men will get a fair rate on T5, with or without the MPA, but it will cost BAA a lot more without the agreement."