SHIPYARD workers are expected to reject controversial new working practices when the results of a ballot are announced later this week.

The ballot follows accusations that managers at A&P Tyne, at Wallsend, North Tyneside, threatened to lay off staff who did not agree to be more flexible.

Unions say they were told workers would only be paid a flat rate for weekends and, if they did not agree to the demand, about 190 of the 255-strong workforce could be laid off.

Last Thursday, all workers were sent ballot forms from their unions asking if they wanted to accept the new conditions.

The unions are not yet revealing what action they plan to take if management try to force through the new conditions. 1

Barney Wills, GMB works convenor, said: "I would say these new conditions will be rejected by nearly 100 per cent.

"That will then put the ball back in the management court. They will then know the feeling of the workforce in black and white, rather than from hearsay. We are not saying what action we could take next."

The demand is part of a plan to make the yard more competitive at a time when contracts are few and far between. The North-East's shipyard and offshore industry has shed more than 30,000 jobs in the past two years.

Clive Towl, managing director of the A&P yard, said: "We're not commenting other than to say that we are in discussion with the unions regarding modern methods of working.

"The discussions are proceeding and when they are completed we will let people know the results."