Car maker Peugeot has averted an all-out strike by staff at its Ryton plant in Coventry, which would halt production of the successful 206, by agreeing to a further three weeks of talks with the Transport and General Workers Union.
Employees at the assembly plant narrowly voted in favour of an all-out stoppage starting on 21 August in opposition to new shift patterns the company is trying to introduce to put it in line with its French plants.
But as Peugeot closed down for its three-week summer break on 1 August, a deal was made with the TGWU to suspend the action to allow for more talks.
The talks will start the first day back on 21 August, beginning a third set of negotiations. The sticking point is around Friday night working, which takes working hours above the agreed 36 and three-quarters.
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All other issues agreed by management and the union, including making 900 new starters’ positions permanent, and commitment to investment, have been accepted by the workforce.
A one-day stoppage took place at the plant on 27 July.
