A PEACE deal has been struck which will prevent a repeat of wildcat strikes at two shipyards.

Almost 100 workers at shipyards on the River Tyne who were sacked in a dispute over pay have been reinstated after a meeting with union leaders yesterday.

The fitters and welders, employed by subcontractors C and D Industrial Services, voted to re-open negotiations with management.

The move followed lightning strikes on Monday in which about 2,000 workers at Amec and Swan Hunter downed tools in support of the sub-contractors.

The sub-contractors have agreed to return to work on condition that talks continue between their unions and management to bring wages in line with those enjoyed by other yard workers.

Amicus regional officer Dave Harrison said last night that talks would begin with C and D Services on Tuesday. He said: "Members have agreed overwhelmingly to return to work to allow these negotiations to take place.

"We have a two-week spell during which time we will find a solution to get parity, and it is not a question of if, but how."

The workers will return three weeks after they began a strike aimed at increasing their pay by £1.95-an-hour to bring them in line with Amec and Swan Hunter staff.

Swan Hunter boss Jaap Kroese was forced to cancel a meeting with MoD officials because of the strikes.

He will now lead a management team from Swans at talks with the MoD in London on Friday, September 26.

Mr Kroese was earlier reported as saying he would consider pulling out of an agreement signed last year to harmonise pay and working conditions among the Tyneside yards.

The firm's commercial director, Norman Brownell, said last night: "Mr Kroese was very disappointed with his workers going on strike.

"He has invested £35m in the facilities, because he cares very much for the North-East.

"He was party to all negotiations and wants to pay people whatever is possible.

"I am pleased that people are back at work and hope we can stay at work."