Labour Court rejects union claim to restore pay cuts at NVD

The Labour Court rejected Services Industrial Professional Technical Union’s claim to restore pay terms and reverse cuts affecting drivers working in the UK, recommending further talks on a new pay structure. The recommendation was signed on 28 November 2011. NVD Limited (National Vehicle Distribution Limited) said the downturn had sharply reduced vehicle sales and storage activity, and that restructuring had helped it secure new business in Britain and France. The union argued that improved business activity justified restoring earlier pay and conditions. The Court found the business climate had not improved enough to warrant reversing the measures, and recommended that the group continue discussions, aiming to finish within six weeks. Any new pay structure should include a fallback basic rate and comply with working-time requirements.