In 1987, the Labour Court recommended a 5% pay rise for Barford Meats Limited staff from 1 April 1986 and one extra annual leave day from 1 January 1987. It did not recommend conceding the claim for compensation for hours lost during an agricultural officers’ dispute. The recommendation was signed on 26 February 1987. The Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union had sought a 10% increase, more annual leave and compensation for about four hours of lost work. Barford Meats offered 3% and opposed the leave and compensation claims, citing cost pressures and the lack of alternative work during the disruption.