Trade unions agree to cooperation

Organisers of the 2012 Olympic Games are working with Britain's trade unions to help avert strikes during preparation.

A general view of the site of Stratford City alongside the Olympic Park site. Olympics organizers are negotiating to ensure construction will not be hampered by strikes.

Organisers of the 2012 Olympic Games in London secured an agreement today with Britain's trade unions to help avert strikes that could hamper preparations for the event. Organisers said the "principles of cooperation" with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) were not legally binding but would lead to collaboration in staff training, equality, health and safety and fair employment standards. The settlement would reduce the risk of construction, transport and the games themselves being disrupted by strike action. "London won the games partly because of its commitment to regenerating the local area and creating a sustainable legacy," the TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said. "We believe this agreement will help deliver those commitments by promoting fair employment, training and good working conditions for the London 2012 workforce."