In 1987, the Labour Court recommended that Clerys and Company (1941) Limited equalise maintenance staff working hours with sales and clerical staff. The recommendation was signed on 30 July 1987. The Irish National Painters’ and Decorators’ Trade Union and the Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians sought pay parity for a carpenter and two painters, as well as equal working hours. The Court recommended conceding the hours claim but did not recommend conceding the pay claim, accepting that existing pay differences arose from valid historical circumstances.