SHIPYARD bosses and union officials refused to comment last night, ahead of today's bid to end industrial action on Tyneside.

Thousands of workers walked out of the Swan Hunter and Amec shipyards in Wallsend, North Tyneside, this week, in support of colleagues involved in a pay dispute.

Talks will take place today, having been brokered by conciliation service Acas.

The walk-out was triggered after more than 90 tradesmen working for Jarrow contractors C and D lost their jobs, following three weeks of unofficial action over pay.

The C and D workers protested after finding out they were on a much lower hourly rate than others doing similar jobs in the yard.

A maritime agreement that guarantees equal pay and conditions for all tradesmen across the Tyneside shipyards, does not apply to outside contractors.

The firm, through Acas, is expected to put a new pay deal on the table today

Union Amicus and the shipyards declined to comment yesterday.