黑洞社区

Five trade federations that were embroiled in one of the construction sector鈥檚 largest industrial disputes for 15 years have agreed to re-enter talks on reform to pay and conditions.

The trade federations - which include the 黑洞社区 and Engineering Services Association (B&ES) - represent the M&E sector, which comprises over 4,000 firms turning over 拢9bn a year.

Proposals to reform the sector鈥檚 working practices drawn up by B&ES, formerly the HVCA, were derailed after five months of protests by workers and the Unite union.

Action taken against the proposals - known as the 黑洞社区 Engineering Services National Agreement (BESNA) - included a 1,000-strong London rally, a sit-in at a contractor鈥檚 headquarters and violent clashes with police.

BESNA was dumped by all seven contractors behind the reforms - including Balfour Beatty Engineering Services - in February.

Recommencement of talks between the trade federations ends a long-running public row between the organisations. Only the HVCA supported BESNA, while the Electrical Contractors鈥� Association, the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors, SELECT and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers鈥� Federation were all opposed.

Now all five organisations have agreed to set up a forum to discuss pay reforms to replace BESNA, called the Industry Development Forum. They will also consult with contractors with a view to re-entering negotiations with Unite.