Amicus victorious in Honda pay dispute

London, June 18 -- Swindon Honda workers have been awarded a 3.7% pay rise after a binding ACAS arbitration supported trade union Amicus' pay claim.

Workers at the plant will now receive a 3.2% pay rise, up 0.5% on what Honda insisted was their final offer, plus a further 1/2% for merit pay and a 2% performance award.

Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Amicus, said:

"We're delighted that ACAS has given its support to Amicus' pay claim. We have argued a constructive case that 3.2% was a fair amount and reflected what Honda's workers are worth."

Amicus Regional Secretary, Jim D'Avila, said:

"This result is an important victory for Amicus and will demonstrate to all the workers at Honda, not just the Amicus members, the value of union membership."

Until last year, there was no union recognition at the Swindon plant and Honda imposed a pay deal. Since Amicus gained recognition at the plant the union has won significant industrial tribunal cases on behalf of workers. Amicus are also challenging Honda's attempts to increase the pensionable age from 60 to 62 for Honda workers.

The pay and benefits award will be backdated to April 1 2003.

Catherine Bithell on +44 (0)20 7420 8909 or Jim D'Avila +44 (0)7958 473 224