In 1986, the Labour Court recommended two 3% increases in basic pay for dockers employed by Dublin Cargo Handling Limited, along with higher service pay. The recommendation was signed on 20 November 1986. The Marine Port and General Workers’ Union and the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union had sought larger cost-of-living increases, improved service pay, a minimum bonus and a shift allowance. The company cited trading losses, high labour costs and competition from other ports. The Court recommended the first 3% increase from 1 June 1986 and a further 3% from 1 December. It recommended service pay of £4 after 20 years’ service from 1 January 1987, but did not recommend conceding the minimum bonus or shift allowance claims. The agreement was to end on 31 May 1987.