The Labour Court recommended that Allied Irish Bank and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union discuss compensation for ending the tea allowance paid to union members. The recommendation was signed on 14 March 2011. Allied Irish Bank said the allowance was intended for staff working beyond their normal finishing time and that some claims had applied the policy incorrectly. The union said the allowance had been paid on a different basis for a prolonged period and members had already lost overtime income. The Court said the agreement appeared intended to cover staff working more than eight hours, and recommended discussions on appropriate compensation. The matter could be referred back if the parties did not agree.