5 of the remaining companies in the agreement – Crown House, Gratte Brothers, T Clarke, Spie Matthew Hall and Shepherd Engineering Services – today followed Balfour Beatty last week and NG Bailey yesturday in ditching the agreement.

The turn-around started last Friday 17th Feb when Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) backed down on imposing contracts which would have terminated long-held agreements after the Appeal Court overturned an earlier ruling that determined that a ballot for strike action by Balfour Beatty workers was invalid due to suprious technicality.

Electricians across Britain have been protesting, occupying and striking unofficially for the last six months. This was a rank and file dispute which the union did their best to fuck up.

The bosses, who collectively called themselves HVCA, issued a joint statement with the Unite union today, Thursday. In full it reads:
“In consultation with the remaining companies and following discussions with Unite, it has been agreed that HVCA will withdraw its proposal for the Building Engineering Services National Agreement (Besna)."
“As a result of today’s decision by HVCA, Unite has agreed not to pursue further industrial action or protests against the Besna companies.
“HVCA, supported by its member companies, will now engage in high-level talks with Unite within an agreed timeline, with the aim of creating new proposals and ensuring agreed terms are honoured.”