The Labour Court recommended on 23 July 2001 that Bus Eireann and the ICTU Group of Trade Unions, the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union (SIPTU) and the Amalgamated Engineering & Electrical Union return their pay and productivity dispute to a conciliation officer. Unresolved issues, including pay, could be referred back to the Court for a definitive recommendation. The unions sought a revised pay and flexibility package for 176 craftworkers, including a £500 basic rate and a £6,750 lead-in payment. Bus Eireann said its existing offer and payments substantially improved pay and conditions. The Court said the parties' understanding of the issues differed too widely and needed further clarification.