In 1987, the Labour Court recommended that the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union accept St. Vincents’ Hospital’s offer of at least four hours’ overtime per person each week. The recommendation was signed on 15 January 1987. The claim concerned four maintenance helpers who had lost regular overtime after the hospital cut spending. The union sought compensation, while management said it had reduced maintenance costs to preserve services and employment. The Court recommended that the union accept management’s offer.