HONDA insists there is little chance of a strike at its giant Stratton plant despite heated negotiations with the Amicus Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union.

The firm is locked in talks and is resisting claims for a partnership deal.

The union spent nearly a decade recruiting at the plant and now wants the right to strike, level pay for men and women, consultation on investment policies and a no-bullying clause.

It is understood that around 700 workers are ready to walk out of the plant just days after Tony Blair told the TUC conference in Blackpool that he rejected a return to 1970s-style flying pickets, closed shops and strikes.

Six months ago Amicus AEEU took Honda to the Government-backed industrial relations Central Arbitration Committee and won the right to union recognition after more than 90 per cent of members voted in favour.