In 1997, the Labour Court recommended immediate negotiations between Castlemahon Food Products and the Amalgamated Transport And General Workers' Union over the workers' pay claim, with a £10 increase to the basic rate in the meantime. The union sought a higher basic rate and related pay improvements. The Court said the parties' proposals provided a basis for settlement and allowed them to refer the dispute back if negotiations had not concluded satisfactorily by 31 December 1997. The recommendation was signed on 11 September 1997.