In 1996, the Labour Court recommended that the Sales, Marketing and Administrative Union of Ireland discuss with Tennents Ireland Limited possible benefits that could help resolve a dispute over sales staff pay. The recommendation was signed on 11 December 1996. The union sought salary scales for sales representatives and sales developers, arguing the roles were comparable and the existing merit system lacked transparent criteria. Tennents said a joint working party’s assessment did not support the developers’ claim and it could not afford further awards. The Court said the working party report did not support the sales developers’ case and recommended further discussions about possible benefits.