Labour Court recommends £2,500 for some ABS Pumps workers in pay dispute

In 1998, the Labour Court recommended further negotiations on a new pay structure at Abs Pumps Limited, including a maximum scale rate of £307 and a £2,500 lump sum for each employee whose pay rate was protected without a wage increase. The recommendation, signed on 8 June 1998, concerned a dispute with the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union over pay for general operatives. The union sought weekly rates of £307 and £320 for two grades and opposed a £150 starting rate. ABS Pumps offered £297 and £307, arguing its offer was no less favourable than settlements for other employee groups and that a better deal could have knock-on effects. The Court said some of the union’s grievance could be sustained but did not recommend conceding the claim in full.