Mini Metro strikers agree deal

Production of British Leyland's new Mini Metro car should be fully resumed on Monday after 500 strikers agreed to accept a peace agreement yesterday.

The men walked out on Thursday in a dispute over one man who refused to be moved from the rectification area of the new Longbridge factory to an assembly line. Production of the Metro, which is due to be launched on Wednesday, was quickly halted. Day-shift production of the BL Mini was also disrupted.

Both sides appeared anxious to reach a settlement, and a peace formula was worked out at meetings between plant management and the works committee on Thursday night and yesterday morning. When the formula was put to a mass meeting inside the factory later in the day the strikers agreed on a return to normal working on Monday. Further talks will then take place into the men's grievances. It is estimated that about 500 Metros were lost by the strike, but BL said the launch date will not be affected because showrooms are already well stocked with the vehicles.