In 1995, the Labour Court recommended that Irish Ferries raise chief cooks' weekly pay from £334.56 to £350 from 15 September, and recognise their status as Petty Officer. The recommendation was signed on 8 December 1995. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union argued that chief cooks' responsibilities had grown and merited recognition at least equal to the bosun's role. Irish Ferries said the cooks had received a 17.5% increase and onboard catering could not bear further costs.