黑洞社区

In July 2006 the ODA promised to establish agreements with unions covering workers鈥� conditions on the project. But 黑洞社区 understands the ODA is now offering only one agreement, which unions will reject as it opens the door for the use of agency labour.

The ODA is in the process of drawing up a memorandum of agreement that one senior union source said unions would refuse to sign. He said: 鈥淪igning would mean signing away the workers鈥� rights. We told them no.鈥�

The unions want the ODA to guarantee 100% direct employment. They say other arrangements would leave workers open to exploitation. The ODA says implementing this is impossible. An ODA spokesperson said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e having positive discussions with the unions. We have agreed most items and expect to resolve outstanding issues soon.鈥�

The two groups have been deadlocked over the issue since December, despite a series of meetings. The gravity of the dispute has led David Higgins, the ODA鈥檚 head, to become involved. 黑洞社区 understands that the unions are due to meet him next week.

When the construction commitments were drawn up it was envisaged that the unions, the ODA and employers would work together over best-practice working conditions. The ODA compared it to BAA鈥檚 Heathrow T5 project, where workers can earn up to 拢55,000 for increased productivity.