The implementation of the Major Projects M&E Agreement took a step closer to realisation with the formation of the M&E Forum, a body to determine which projects meet MPA designated status.
The implementation of the Major Projects M&E Agreement (MPA) has moved a step closer with the establishment of the M&E Forum. This group, which Sir Michael Latham has been invited to chair, is due to have its inaugural meeting on 3 July. One of its main roles will be to determine which projects meet the MPA criteria.

The MPA has been designed to change the working culture of large m&e projects, improve performance and productivity, enhance industrial relations stability and introduce continual integrated teamworking (see EMC, March 2003, page 7). Workers on designated sites will earn an extra £3 per hour within the M25 and £2.20 per hour elsewhere subject to performance targets.

The pan-industry support for the MPA has recently been strengthened by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) signing up to the agreement on 9 June. Other signatories include the trade union Amicus (AEEU and MSF sections), the ECA, the HVCA and Select.

The M&E Forum will comprise representatives from the employer organisations and the trade union. Its remit includes the reviewing of new major projects before they enter the construction phase. Following discussions with project clients, the Forum will then decide whether a project warrants designated status under the MPA.

Designation will be subject to a number of factors including project size, value and manpower requirements. An m&e project value of £100 million has been mooted, as has a labour force of around 250.

"The setting up of the M&E Forum is the first major step in the implementation of the Major Projects M&E Agreement," says Alex Meikle, the ECA's head of employee relations. "We now have the formal mechanism to develop the process of project designation.

"An agreement such as the MPA has been an aspiration of the industry for many years. Now we have the mechanism that will benefit clients, contractors, employees and the industry as whole."

Likely projects expected to sign up to the agreement are Heathrow Terminal 5 and the new Wembley Stadium, as well as major PFI projects and rail infrastructure works. Labour costs will rise by 27% on designated schemes.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor