A RECONCILIATION between Cleveland Bridge and Multiplex, the main contractor at Wembley Stadium, is still possible, a union leader said last night.

Engineering company Cleveland Bridge is locked in a legal battle with Australian company Multiplex over money it says it is owed for work done on the stadium.

Jimmy Skivington, of the GMB union, told The Northern Echo he was confident Cleveland Bridge could return to the project if both parties agreed to fresh talks.

"To get Cleveland Bridge back on the Wembley project and save jobs is the ultimate goal," he said.

"Our national officers have spoken to Multiplex. They said that they were not saying that they had closed the door on negotiations. Cleveland Bridge are saying they want to talk.

"We are hoping they are going to get round the table as soon as possible.

"We are hoping they can leave their grievances or legal claims to one side and finish the work that has got to be done in Darlington."

Cleveland Bridge announced last week that it was shedding 95 jobs in Darlington - 65 blue collar and 30 white collar - as a result of the dispute, and issued legal proceedings against Multiplex.

It pulled out of on-site work at Wembley early last month after completing the stadium's arch.

Off-site work on steel for the retractable roof was to continue, but the financial dispute led to its suspension.

Yesterday, workers in Darlington began a one week on, one week off shift system because of a shortage of orders.

Mr Skivington said: "We had a meeting with the workforce at the crack of dawn and told them we got the best deal for them.

"We managed to get an increase in the money they will receive on the weeks they are laid off."

A Cleveland Bridge spokeswoman said: "Cleveland Bridge has tried to engage in discussions with Multiplex and has never heard back.

"If the unions are able to find a way to bring Multiplex to the table, Cleveland Bridge would be happy to join the discussion."

Multiplex declined to comment on the proposals.

Published: 10/08/2004