Work on completing HMS Bulwark is already behind schedule

Union leaders are in talks with bosses of the BAE Systems-owned Barrow shipyard, where hundreds of men are working on HMS Bulwark.

The amphibious assault vessel was launched in November 2001, but completion work on the ship is considerably behind schedule.

Sea trials were due to start in February 2003.

Now further delays are threatened after the company brought in outside contractors to speed up work.

The Amicus MSF union leader Kevin Coyne, has been in talks with managers, in an effort to resolve the dispute, which broke out last week.

BAE electricians get paid �8.30 an hour, but the union says contractors are being given �2 more.

The company brought in about 40 electrical contractors from a local firm.

Yard workers held a mass meeting at which they formally objected to additional staff being brought in.

The 18,500-tonne warship is currently in Bucchleugh Dock for outfitting, system installation and commissioning.

HMS Bulwark and the vessel's sister ship HMS Albion, are replacements for the already decommissioned HMS Intrepid and HMS Fearless, which has seen service in the Gulf as part of Britain's contribution to the war against terrorism.