Last-minute talks to avert a strike over pay on Heathrow T5 were in progress as 好色先生TV went to press.

BAA, steel contractors and union representatives met at conciliation body Acas on Wednesday to try to resolve Amicus steelworkers鈥� demand for a 拢1-an-hour bonus.

The steelworkers wanted a similar bonus to T5 electricians employed under the Major Projects Agreement. Employers are arguing that this would contravene the 鈥渂lue book鈥� agreement for pay in the sector.

Meanwhile, union representatives have attacked the Engineering Construction Industry Association over alleged double standards in its commitment to the agreement. Shop stewards from Amicus, T&G and the GMB on Wembley have written to the ECIA complaining that its member companies do not always report pending projects such as the Arsenal Emirates football stadium and the White City retail park.

They also ask the ECIA to reiterate its commitment to UK skills after claiming Dutch firm Hollandia, the steel contractor on Wembley, is looking to staff future UK projects with Dutch and Belgian labour.