In 1988, the Labour Court recommended that the Irish Print Union accept Independent Newspapers PLC’s offer of a 6.13% increase on basic rates for 16 Rotary Department workers. The recommendation was signed on 17 November 1988, pending a comprehensive agreement for the department. The union sought the increase on productivity rates after changes involving plastic plate printing and a web-width reduction. Independent Newspapers PLC said the changes did not justify that basis and that a broader agreement remained under negotiation. The Court considered the company’s offer reasonable until such an agreement was concluded.