THAT Nissan has enjoyed an excellent industrial relations record during its 18 years in the North-East is beyond question.

The company has set the standard in terms of flexibility, efficiency and communication between management and the workforce.

The result has been record-breaking productivity, vital investment in North-East jobs, and a strike-free history.

That record is in danger of being blemished for the first time following a strike vote by a group of workers protesting at the relocation of the company's purchasing department to Bedfordshire.

It is not the scale of the disruption that is significant - only 17 workers voted in favour of a strike, with five opposing such action - it is the symbolism of a strike at a company which has been held up as a model of industrial relations for nearly two decades.

The vote comes a week after the announcement of a £95m investment in the Sunderland plant to build the Micra C+C, bringing with it 250 jobs.

It is all too rare that there is some good news to report on the North-East jobs front and any evidence of increased commitment to the region is of enormous value.

But what a shame it would be if the highest-profile manufacturer in the region had its record on industrial relations tainted at this time, especially when the numbers involved in the vote represent such a small proportion of the workforce.

It is time for common sense. Nissan's management must take heed of the concerns being expressed by Amicus about the perceived lack of consultation over the relocation.

And the union must see that it is not a fight it is going to win with such flimsy support.

Good boy!

WHEN so many honours are presented to undeserving humans, it is a pleasure to report the award of the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross to Buster the spaniel.

Buster, a hero of the war in Iraq, will receive the Dickin medal for his bravery and devotion to duty today.

It is undoubtedly a great honour which recognises the vital role animals play in war zones. But let's hope his gong is accompanied by something he can really appreciate - like a nice, juicy bone.