In 1995, the Labour Court recommended further discussions between Gardner Merchant and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union if either side found a way to offset or reduce the cost of the union's 3% pay claim under Clause 3 of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. The recommendation was signed on 12 January 1995. The union sought the increase from 1 June 1992, citing worker cooperation and low pay; Gardner Merchant said it could not afford it amid competition and cost pressures.