Labour Court recommends talks on Sutcliffe Catering pay claim

In 1995, the Labour Court recommended that Sutcliffe Catering Services and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union complete negotiations on a plan to harmonise employment terms. The recommendation was signed on 13 February 1995. The union sought a 3% pay increase under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, saying pay was low for most employees and citing their flexibility and cooperation. Sutcliffe said an increase would put it at a competitive disadvantage and proposed addressing pay within negotiations on harmonising conditions across its workforce. The Court recommended completing the harmonisation negotiations, taking account of points raised by the union at the hearing. It did not recommend a separate 3% increase.