The Labour Court recommended a 3.5% increase in basic pay at Tara Mines Limited for a 14-month agreement, effective from 1 June 1987. Its recommendation was signed on 30 October 1987. The Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers Technical Administrative and Supervisory Section sought an 8% increase and opposed parts of the company's cost-reduction plan. The company said the plan was needed to reduce costs and maintain operations. The Court did not recommend the union's other claims and recommended that workers accept the company's cost-reduction proposals, with changes to the bonus scheme: the company should withdraw an earnings cap, and the union should agree to a constant rate of bonus increase across output levels.